Introduction

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat combining the rich flavors of browned butter blondies with tangy dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate frosting. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a favorite for holidays or any special occasion.

Several triangular cookie bars are arranged on a sheet of parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each bar has two main layers: a thicker, light brown, soft cookie base with visible dried cranberry bits, and a smooth white frosting layer on top. Scattered on the frosting are small pieces of dried cranberries adding a pop of dark red color. The focus is on the front triangle, showing clear textures of the cookie and creamy frosting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5 oz, 213 g)
1 teaspoon baking powder (3 g)
½ teaspoon table salt (3 g)
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6 oz, 170 g)
1½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz, 298 g)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3 g)
¾ cup dried cranberries (loosely packed, 3.5 oz, 100 g)
1⅓ cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips, 8 oz, 227 g)
1⅔ cups white chocolate (melted, 10 oz, 283 g)
8 oz cream cheese (softened, 227 g)
1½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted, 6 oz, 170 g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3 g)
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (loosely packed, 2.3 oz, 65 g)
⅔ cup white chocolate (melted, 4 oz, 113 g)

Instructions

Step 1: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9 by 13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick baking spray. Line it with parchment paper trimmed to fit the pan lengthwise with overhang on both sides to lift the blondies out easily. Spray the parchment paper again.
Step 2: Brown the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as it bubbles and foams to push aside the foam. When the milk solids turn a golden brown color, remove from heat immediately and transfer the browned butter to a bowl to cool.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
Step 4: In another medium bowl, mix the cooled browned butter and light brown sugar until combined. Add the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing well.
Step 5: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries.
Step 6: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the top is set, but not overbaked.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 8: For the frosting, combine softened cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and well blended.
Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondie bars.
Step 10: Sprinkle the roughly chopped dried cranberries over the frosting.
Step 11: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting and cranberries for a beautiful finishing touch.
Step 12: Refrigerate the bars until the frosting is firm, which helps achieve clean, neat slices.
Step 13: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into triangles before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture in the bars and the drizzle.
For a nutty twist, add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the cranberries.
Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest for a different citrus note.
If you prefer a softer frosting, reduce the confectioners’ sugar slightly, adjusting to taste.

Storage

Store the cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps the frosting firm and the bars fresh. Before serving, you can let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. These bars are best enjoyed chilled but can also be served at room temperature if preferred.

How to Serve

The image shows several triangular slices of a cookie-like dessert arranged on a black cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has two main layers: the bottom layer is thick and golden-brown with visible chunks of white chocolate and dried cranberries embedded within, and the top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting generously sprinkled with dried cranberries and white chocolate shavings. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with fresh red cranberries, adding a pop of bright color to the scene. The overall look is neat and inviting, with the contrast between the golden base and white frosting enhanced by the dark and red cranberry pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored refrigerated. The flavors even improve after a few hours as they meld together.

Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.