Pin it The first time I made these bars was actually a complete accident. I'd intended to make regular blondies but got distracted halfway through and started throwing in whatever festive ingredients I could find in my holiday baking stash. The kitchen smelled incredible while they baked, like butter and oranges and anticipation. When my sister tasted them later that afternoon, she looked at me with this serious expression and said I was never allowed to make regular blondies again.
Last December I brought a pan to my neighbor's annual cookie exchange and watched them disappear in under twenty minutes. Someone actually asked if I'd bought them from a bakery, which I'm still deciding whether to take as a compliment or a challenge to my baking credibility. Now whenever I walk in with that parchment wrapped pan, people's eyes light up like they know exactly what's coming.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter is non negotiable here for that perfect tender crumb
- Brown sugar: This creates moisture and that gorgeous deep caramel flavor
- Dried cranberries: Chopping them helps distribute their tartness evenly throughout
- White chocolate chips: They melt into little pockets of sweetness that balance the cranberries
- Cream cheese: Make sure it's properly softened or you'll end up with lumpy frosting
- Orange zest and juice: Fresh is absolutely worth the extra effort here
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Get everything ready:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 pan with parchment letting the ends hang over the sides like little handles
- Cream the butter and sugars:
- Beat them together for a solid 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy
- Add the eggs and vanilla:
- Drop in the eggs one at a time letting each fully incorporate before adding the next
- Whisk the dry ingredients:
- Combine flour baking powder baking soda and salt in a separate bowl
- Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture stopping the second everything comes together
- Fold in the good stuff:
- Gently incorporate the chopped cranberries and white chocolate with a spatula
- Spread and bake:
- Evenly distribute the batter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean
- Cool completely:
- Let them rest in the pan for 15 minutes then lift them out to cool fully on a wire rack
- Make the frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth then mix in orange zest and juice
- Frost and decorate:
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and add extra cranberries and white chocolate drizzle
Pin it My daughter now requests these for her school birthday treats instead of cake. Something about that combination of sweet creamy frosting and chewy tart cranberries just makes people happy. I've started making double batches because one pan never seems to be enough anymore.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Make Ahead Magic
These bars are actually better the next day when all those flavors have had time to become friends. I bake them the day before I need them and frost them the morning of the event. The texture becomes more fudgy and the orange flavor intensifies beautifully.
Storage Secrets
Keep them in the refrigerator because of that cream cheese frosting. The cold also firms up the texture making them even more satisfying to eat. They'll stay fresh for a full week though I've personally never seen them last longer than three days in my house.
Serving Suggestions
These bars shine brightest when served slightly chilled alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The contrast between the cold creamy frosting and warm beverage is something special. They're also perfect on a dessert platter with other holiday cookies because they hold their own visually.
- Cut them into smaller squares if serving as part of a larger dessert spread
- A light dusting of orange zest on top makes them look extra special
- Pair with cranberry tea for a themed afternoon treat
Pin it There's something so satisfying about cutting into that frosted pan and seeing those perfect little squares of festive happiness. Hope these become part of your holiday traditions too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I ensure my bars are moist and tender?
Achieving moist and tender bars starts with careful measurement of ingredients, especially flour. Avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this can develop gluten too much, leading to a tougher texture. Baking just until a toothpick comes out clean is also crucial to prevent dryness.
- → Can I substitute the dried cranberries for other fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cherries or chopped dried apricots are excellent substitutions for cranberries, offering a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution within the batter.
- → What's the best way to store these bars to maintain freshness?
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration. They also taste wonderful when brought to room temperature before serving.
- → My frosting seems too soft. How can I make it firmer?
If your frosting is too soft, it might be due to warm cream cheese or too much liquid. Ensure your cream cheese is softened but not warm. You can also add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency. Chilling the frosting briefly can also help firm it up.
- → Can these bars be made ahead of time for an event?
Yes, these bars are an excellent make-ahead treat! In fact, the flavors often meld and deepen beautifully the day after baking. Prepare them a day or two in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and let them come to room temperature slightly before serving for optimal enjoyment.
- → Any tips for melting white chocolate for the drizzle?
For a smooth white chocolate drizzle, melt it gently. The best method is to use a microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until just melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it, as white chocolate can seize easily.
