Champion Cherry Bars

Cherry cookie bars with dried tart cherries, white chocolate chips and crunchy pecans baked inside every bite.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 (12-ounce) package white chocolate chips
2 cups dried tart cherries
1 cup coarsely chopped pecan

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla.
2. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to mixture. Stir in white chocolate chips, dried cherries and pecans. Spread dough evenly in greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.
3. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven 20 minutes, or until light golden brown. Do not overbake. Cool in pan, then cut into bars. Store in airtight container. These bars freeze well.

Makes 4 dozen (1 1/4 x 2 1/2-inch) bars

Recipe provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.