Cherry Cocoa Shortbread Squares Recipe

Cherry Cocoa Shortbread Squares Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Whenever there is a potluck at work or a family gathering, I'm asked to bring these delectable bars. I found the recipe years ago and have made it countless times since. -Bettie Martin, Oneida, Wisconsin

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Cherry Cocoa Shortbread Squares Recipe

Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Yield: 36 Servings

20 15 35

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened plus 2 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 maraschino cherries, halved
GLAZE:
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1-1/2 teaspoons butter

Directions

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. Yield: 3 dozen.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 each) equals 84 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 9 mg cholesterol, 34 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 1 g protein.

Originally published as Cherry Cocoa Shortbread Squares in Taste of Home October/November 2002, p31