Cherry Cocoa Shortbread Squares Recipes

CHOCOLATE CHERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, pink pepper and salt. Set aside.
• Place the butter and 1/3 cup sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg yolks and beat for an additional minute. In two additions, add the flour mixture, beating on low speed until just combined between additions. Pulse in the dried cherries and chocolate chips.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap on a clean, dry surface. Transfer the cookie dough to the plastic wrap, form into a 2-inch-wide log, and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Using a sharp, thin knife, cut the log into 1/3-inch-thick rounds. Set the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart, and sprinkle evenly with the remaining 2 teaspoons sugar.
• Bake until just set, 25 minutes. Cool the cookies completely on the baking sheet before removing to a wire rack.

CHERRY COCOA SHORTBREAD SQUARES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter and sugar. Beat in flour and cocoa (mixture will be crumbly). Spread into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until surface is set. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and remaining butter; beat in milk and vanilla until smooth. Spread over crust. Pat cherries dry with a paper towel; arrange over frosting and press down gently. , In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cherries. Refrigerate until glaze has hardened. Cut into squares.

CHERRY SHORTBREAD BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with heavy aluminum foil.
• Mix flour, 1 cup butter, and white sugar together until mixture is crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Blend brown sugar, eggs, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract together in a bowl. Drain and chop cherries, reserving the liquid. Stir cherries and walnuts into the egg mixture. Place mixture on top of the baked crust.
• Return to the oven and bake until set, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
• Combine powdered sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons butter with enough cherry liquid to spread easily. Frost cooled bars. Cut into squares after icing has set.

CHOCOLATE-GLAZED CHERRY SHORTBREAD BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with foil, leaving foil overhanging at 2 opposite sides of pan; spray foil with cooking spray.
• In small bowl, mix flour, cornstarch and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar and granulated sugar with electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in cherries. Press in pan.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on cooling rack, about 30 minutes.
• In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds, stirring once, until softened and chips can be stirred smooth. Using a fork, drizzle chocolate over bars. Let stand until firm, about 2 hours. Use foil to lift out of pan. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

SHORTBREAD SQUARES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Combine flour and cornstarch; gradually add to creamed mixture. , Pat into an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Pierce several times with a fork. Bake at 325° for 40-45 minutes or until lightly browned. Cut while warm.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Finely chop 6 ounces baking chocolate and set aside.
• Combine flour, cold butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and cocoa powder in a large bowl; beat until mixture resembles small crumbs. Stir in chopped chocolate, maraschino cherries, and almond extract until well combined.
• Pour 2 tablespoons sugar into a shallow bowl. Form cookie dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the sugar until coated. Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on a cookie sheet. Use the bottom of a cup to flatten cookies to 1 1/2-inch rounds.
• Bake in the preheated oven until edges are firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to waxed paper; let cool completely, at least 1 hour.
• Heat remaining chocolate in a small pot, stirring occasionally, until melted. Add 1 tablespoon butter and milk; stir until mixture is melted and runs off a spoon with ease. Add another tablespoon of butter and milk if needed.
• Dip each cookie at least halfway into the melted chocolate mixture. Lay the dipped cookies back on the waxed paper. Let cool and harden for several hours.