Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Cherry Pie Cookie Bars recipe is a chewy and easy recipe, which is made with a buttery shortbread-style crust and a simple cherry pie filling. It’s the perfect potluck dessert, a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic pie, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Cherry Pie Cookie Bars Ingredients
A simple list for an impressive and delicious dessert bar.
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/3 cups (2 sticks plus 5 tablespoons) salted butter, softened
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 (30-ounce) can cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cherry Pie Cookie Bars
A step-by-step guide to these wonderfully buttery and fruity bars.
- Prep Oven and Make Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the granulated sugar, softened butter, and orange zest until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing in between, then add the vanilla.
- Combine the Dough: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. On low speed, add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then add half of the milk. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and milk, mixing until a soft dough comes together.
- Assemble the Layers: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Pour the cherry pie filling over the base and spread it out evenly.
- Top and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining one-third of the dough over the pie filling. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges and the cookie topping are golden and the center is set. Let the bars cool in the dish for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Glaze and Serve: While the bars cool, make the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Recipe Tips
For the perfect, chewy, and flavor-packed cookie bar.
- How to get the perfect texture? The soft, shortbread-like dough is key. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this can make the crust tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Can I use a different pie filling? Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for any of your favorite canned pie fillings. Apple, blueberry, or peach would all be delicious substitutes for the cherry.
- How do I know when the bars are done? The top should be a lovely golden brown, and the center should feel set and not jiggly when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted into the cookie part (not the filling) should come out clean.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, these are a great make-ahead dessert for a party or potluck. You can bake them completely and store them, un-glazed, at room temperature for up to 2 days. Add the fresh glaze an hour or so before serving.
What To Serve With Cherry Pie Cookie Bars
The perfect accompaniment for this classic, comforting treat.
These sweet and fruity bars are a perfect treat on their own, especially when still slightly warm. They are a classic pairing with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream
- A tall, cold glass of milk
- A hot cup of black coffee
How To Store Cherry Pie Cookie Bars
Keeping your bars fresh and chewy.
- Room Temperature: Once the glaze has set, you can store the bars, covered, at room temperature for up to 4 days. The crust will soften slightly over time.
Pioneer Woman Cherry Pie Cookie Bars Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per bar.
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 16 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is the dough supposed to be thick?
Yes, this is a very thick, soft cookie dough, not a liquid batter. You will need to press it into the bottom of the pan and drop spoonfuls on top.
Can I add nuts?
Yes! A cup of chopped pecans or slivered almonds would be a fantastic addition. You can either mix them into the cookie dough or sprinkle them over the cherry pie filling before adding the top layer of dough.
Why did my bars turn out dry?
Dry bars are usually the result of over-baking. Keep a close eye on them and pull them from the oven as soon as the top is golden and the center is set. The oil-based dough should keep them quite moist.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Saucepan Cookies Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cherry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy dessert bar that gives you all the flavor of a classic cherry pie with a soft, buttery, shortbread-style cookie crust and a simple, sweet lemon glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a mixer, cream the sugar, butter, and orange zest. Add the eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture until a dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the cherry pie filling over the dough base and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden and set. Let cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth and drizzle over the warm bars.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing canned cherry pie filling is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eBe careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to ensure a tender, not tough, crust.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThese bars are a perfect potluck or bake sale item as they are easy to transport and serve.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a different flavor, try substituting the cherry pie filling with apple, blueberry, or peach.u003c/liu003e
