A twist on classic chocolate-covered cherry bars, these festive cookies include a chocolate shortbread base topped with creamy fondant, chocolate glaze and a cherry on top!
I usually don’t feel the need to mess with a good thing, but I took a chance and made a cookie variation of my mom’s legendary Chocolate-Covered Cherry Bars and hark the herald angels sing….glory to a new-born holiday tradition!
Don’t get me wrong, I love everything about the original bars with their rich chocolate shortbread base, creamy buttercream fondant, and of course the chocolate-covered cherry on top! My mom only makes the festive bars during the holidays and like any good limited-time offer, this only leaves our family wanting more.
As much as I love these Chocolate-Covered Cherry Bars, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was enough space in my heart to love a cookie version, and well let me cut to the chase…the answer is YES! The cookies, which I am officially naming Cherry on Top Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, include all the same elements of the bars but in a versatile cookie cut-out format that can be made into various shapes and sizes.
New format, new options
Bars are relatively easy, it’s a one-and-done bake that gives you multiple portions of the same treat in a uniform size and shape (IF you have a steady hand and can cut a straight line which, honestly, always seems to be a challenge for me). Making these bars as cookies provides the chance to make different-sized treats depending on what the occasion calls for or an opportunity to break out the holiday cookie cutters.
- Want a bigger cookie that can stand on its own as a holiday dessert or package in individual treat bags? Use a lid from a Mason jar to cut the dough into round shapes before baking.
- Want a smaller, bite-size cookie to adorn your treat trays? Try a smaller jar, e.g., a jelly jar.
- How about some festive shapes, using your holiday cookie cutters? I made some reindeer cookies but this dough, frosting and glaze (complete with cherries on top) would be so fun and festive in any shape!
Whatever way you choose to roll (and cut) your dough, the result is a nice and neat and “oh fer cute” version of the bars that I know I can’t wait to set out on my cookie platters this year!
2 Comments
Karen Christopherson
December 9, 2025 at 11:24 pm
Growing up in the 60s, my mom had a small cookies and bars cookbook that included the Chocolate-Covered Cherry Bars recipe. It has been one of my family’s favorites ever since then. I can’t seem to find my copy of the recipe, but I know yours is it based on the picture of the bars. Thanks for sharing the cookie version with us!
I’ve attempted to make a gluten free version a few times, but haven’t found the right flour. I’m going to keep trying as I miss these bars now that I’m gluten free.
Sarah
December 30, 2025 at 11:21 pm
This is so interesting!I bet that is where my mom got the recipe as well. I’ve never seen it in print but we LOVE this recipe. I’ll let you know if I have any luck with a gluten-free version. I’ve found that any kind of shortbread cookie is hard to replicate with gluten-free flour.