Swiss Treat
Swiss Treat is a delightful cookie bar featuring a rich combination of chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, and maraschino cherries. Crispy, chewy, and bursting with flavor, it's perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet snack that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine until smooth.
- Add egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla; beat well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Cut cherries into small pieces and fold into the mixture.
- Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut; mix with hands to form a ball.
- Pat the mixture onto a greased or ungreased 10 x 15 x 1-inch cookie sheet.
- Use a rolling pin to flatten evenly.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Cool, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half the margarine with butter. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with additional chocolate chips. To make the treat more festive, consider adding a splash of almond extract or using colored sprinkles on top before baking. Ensure the cherries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful squares as an afternoon snack or dessert alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat. For a festive touch, try serving them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or alongside a slice of Calypso Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place the squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Treat contains roughly 232 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, making it denser. For gluten-free options, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work, but check for additional binding agents if needed.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you prefer not to use maraschino cherries, you can substitute them with dried cherries or cranberries for a chewy texture and a slight tartness. Fresh chopped fruit like strawberries or raspberries can also be a flavorful alternative, but make sure to adjust the moisture content accordingly.
How can I make these squares more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding cocoa powder to the dry ingredients—about 1/4 cup should do the trick. You can also increase the amount of chocolate chips or use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for a more complex taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).