Cranberry Bliss Bars

Skip the trip to Starbucks and make homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars instead! These cranberry bars start with a chewy blondie base that is studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, warmly spiced with a hint of orange, then topped with a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting to balance the sweetness. Make it even more festive with extra cranberries on top and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for the holidays!

Although cranberry bliss bars started as a Starbucks recipe, they've quickly become part of mainstream culture. It's just not the holidays without them! Orange and cranberry are a match made in heaven, but it's the white chocolate that really takes this homemade version to the next level. They're so soft and chewy, look gorgeous on any dessert tray, and will disappear before your eyes. Serve them as a Thanksgiving dessert, in your cookie boxes, or at your holiday party!

Why You'll Love These Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Tender and chewy blondies. One of the best parts about cranberry bliss bars is the texture. They're not sugar cookies or brownies; they're blondies with a decadent, chewy bite. They're strong enough to eat with your fingers, but quickly turn soft and chewy in your mouth with crunchy chocolate chips and creamy frosting to keep it interesting. I can never eat just one bar!
• Classic flavor combination.  These copycat Starbucks cranberry bliss bars were inspired by cranberry and orange, a classic combination, but with a sweet twist. The bars have a warm, caramel-like flavor from the brown sugar and warm spices, and the white chocolate chips balance the tart cranberries. The cream cheese frosting will remind you of your favorite fall desserts and keep everything from becoming too sweet!
• Favorite holiday treat. Even the naysayers who don't like cranberries can't help but love these cranberry bliss bars. The contrast of tart and sweet keeps them from being too sweet, and all the different textures make them so interesting and fun to eat. We serve them throughout the holiday season, but they go fast, so you might want to make a double batch...

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• all purpose flour - regular all purpose works great. No need to fuss with cake flour.
• baking powder + soda - use both baking powder and soda to help the bars puff up and set nicely.
• spices - use warm spices, like ground ginger and cinnamon, and a little salt to bring out flavor.
• sugar - the mixture of brown and white sugar gives the bars a chewy texture, a nice bite on the outside, and extra flavor.
• orange zest - for a fresh orange flavor in the bars and in the cream cheese frosting.
• butter - for the bars, the butter will be melted, so no need to soften first. For the frosting, we will need to use softened butter.
• eggs - to bind the batter together and help it rise.
• vanilla extract - to flavor the bars and the frosting.
• orange extract - optional, but this is a great way to add even more orange flavor.
• white chocolate chips - for crunch and sweetness in the bars. We also need extra white chocolate to melt and drizzle on top too.
• dried cranberries - for flavor in the bars and to sprinkle on top after.
• cream cheese - softened at room temperature for easy whipping into frosting.
• confectioners' sugar - to sweeten and thicken the frosting. 

Baking Tools

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

• measuring cups and spoons
• 9x13-inch baking pan
• parchment paper
• cooking spray
• mixing bowls
• whisk and large mixing spoon
• zester
• wire rack
• electric hand mixer
• sharp knife

How to Make the Best Cranberry Bliss Bars

Make the cranberry bliss bars:

1. Combine dry ingredients. In a medium to large sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon, until well-combined. Set aside.
2. Combine wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, white sugar, and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the orange zest together with the sugars. Next, add in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and orange extract (if using), until very smooth and well-combined.

3. Add dry to wet. Add the dry mixture into the wet, then stir until fully-combined.
4. Fold in mix-ins. Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cranberries.

5. Bake. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on 2 sides for easy removal. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, then place into a 350F preheated oven to bake for 25-30 minutes. When done, allow to cool fully before frosting. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully remove it and place on a wire rack.

Make the cream cheese frosting:

1. Combine. Add the cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, salt, and orange zest to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the frosting together until smooth and well-combined.
2. Spread frosting. Evenly spread the frosting over top of the cooled cookie bars.

3. Melt white chocolate. In a small mixing bowl, add the white chocolate. Place into the microwave and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until full melted and smooth. 
4. Add toppings. Sprinkle the frosted bars with chopped dried cranberries, and drizzle with melted white chocolate. You can also sprinkle some extra orange zest, if desired.

5. Chill. Place into the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until set.
6. Slice. Slice the bars into 8 rectangles by making one vertical slice in the middle lengthwise, and 1 horizontal slice in the middle crosswise. Then add 2 more slices crosswise above and below the center slice.  Slice each of those rectangles diagonally into triangles. 

How to Serve

These Cranberry Bliss Bars is delicious served on its own for a sweet breakfast treat, a dessert, or a snack with tea. If serving as part of a larger holiday dessert spread, pair them with some of my favorites including:

• White Hot Chocolate
• Gingerbread Cake
• Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake
• Chocolate Spritz Cookies
• Cranberry Pie

For more recipes, see our 30 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Since these bars are topped with cream cheese frosting, they need to be refrigerated for freshness. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a piece of parchment between any layers to avoid damaging the topping.

How to Freeze

Cranberry bliss bars freeze very well! You can either freeze the bars and frosting separately or freeze the frosted bars on a sheet pan until solid. Wrap each one well with plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let the bars thaw in the fridge for a few hours, then let them warm up at room temperature for the best flavor and softest texture. 

FAQ

More Recipes with Dried Cranberries

• Cranberry Orange Muffins
• Almond Cranberry Granola Bars
• Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
• Whole Wheat Cranberry Bread
• Gingerbread Granola
• Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

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