Cherry Marshmallow Cookie Bars

Cherry Marshmallow Cookie Bars. So easy to make using Jello powder and chopped maraschino cherries, all on a simple shortbread like cookie base.

Cherry Marshmallow Cookie Bars

Originally posted July 2016. Updated August 2024. 

Okay, so these Cherry Marshmallow Cookie Bars are basically the exact same recipe as my recent Lime Marshmallow version. I’ve changed the flavour here though and added a few sweet pieces of maraschino cherry to show another idea to dress these up, especially for the holidays.

Marshmallows are pretty susceptible to moisture, so I made sure that I cut the cherries and patted them dry on paper towels before folding them in. Glacé cherries would work just as well, I think.

One thing I might try next time though, is freezing or partially freezing the cookie bars before cutting them. This might make for a cleaner cut.

Pick your favourite flavour!

This recipe does show that it is easy to make these in any available flavour you like and that you can make some additions to them. I’m wondering what a lemon version might be like with some candied lemon zest mixed in or scattered on top.

Cherry Marshmallow Cookie Bars

The lime marshmallow version was instantly popular on Facebook and Pinterest, so I add this one as a separate recipe just to make it easier for those who might search for this particular recipe by name.

I’ve received several messages and comments from folks who have made the traditional Newfoundland version of this recipe using plain gelatine. If you want to use that version, I’d suggest adding another cup of sugar mixed with 2 envelopes of unflavoured gelatine as a substitute for the jello powder and proceed as directed. You can use flavour extracts like vanilla, peppermint or lemon to flavour the marshmallow portion.

You might also like this recipe for Marshmallow Roll Cookies:

Marshmallow Roll Cookies

Like this Cherry Marshmallow Cookie Bars recipe?

If you liked this recipe you many want to check out this great collection of No Bake Cookies that was incredibly popular during our last Holiday season.

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Yield: 3 dozen cookie bars

Cherry Marshmallow Cookie Bars

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Cherry Marshmallow Cookie Bars. So easy to make using Jello jelly powder and chopped maraschino cherries, all on a simple shortbread like cookie base.

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Ingredients

For the cookie base

• 1 cup butter room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour

For the marshmallow top layer

• 1 cup water
• 2 pkg cherry Jello powder (4 oz/ 85 g each)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup preferably light
• 1/2 cup dried unsweetened or sweetened coconut to garnish top; optional
• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Instructions

For the cookie base:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. Cream the butter, brown sugar and vanilla well until light coloured and fluffy.

3. Fold in the flour to form a soft dough.

4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown around the edges.

6. Remove from oven and cool completely before adding the top layer.

   To prepare the marshmallow layer:

   1. NOTE: You are going to want to keep the temperature on low throughout this stage. You don't want the mixture to boil; just keep the heat steady to allow you to fully dissolve the jelly powder and sugar.

   2. In a small saucepan bring the water to a boil and reduce the burner setting to low.

   3. Add the 2 pkg of Jello powder and stir continuously until it is completely dissolved. This can take 4-5 minutes.

   4. Add the sugar and again, continue to stir over low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved with no sugar grains left at the bottom of the pan. This may take 4-5 more minutes or so.

   5. Remove from heat and stir in the corn syrup.

   6. Transfer the mixture to a very clean glass or metal bowl or the bowl of your electric mixer.

   7. Chill in the fridge for about a half hour, stirring occasionally until the mixture is just lukewarm. It should not be hotter than lukewarm, nor should it me too cold.

   8. When the jello mixture reaches the lukewarm point, begin beating it at high speed with the whisk attachment on your electric mixer. Beat for 10-12 minutes or until very thick and fluffy.

   9. Fold in the chopped cherries

   10. Spread the marshmallow layer over the cooled cookie layer and sprinkle with coconut if you like.

   11. Refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight before cutting into cookie bars.

   12. Store in airtight containers. These freeze particularly well for several weeks.

Nutrition Information

Yield

36

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 140Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 14mgSodium 56mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 16gProtein 1g

The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by third party software and is meant as a guideline only. Exact accuracy is not guaranteed. For recipes where all ingredients may not be used entirely, such as those with coatings on meats, or with sauces or dressings for example, calorie & nutritional values per serving will likely be somewhat lower than indicated.

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