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Let me share the joy of my favorite holiday treat - Cranberry Bliss Bars! Picture a soft buttery blondie studded with tart cranberries topped with the most amazing cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle. They're pure holiday magic and perfect for sharing with everyone you love.
Why You'll Fall In Love
Trust me these bars are everything you want in a holiday dessert. They're so easy to make taste even better than the coffee shop version and bring such warmth to any gathering. That combination of sweet and tart flavors with that creamy frosting just can't be beat.
What You'll Need
- Butter: Nice and soft for both our base and frosting.
- Brown Sugar: Gives us that warm caramel note.
- Cranberries: One cup dried packed with tartness.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose keeps everything tender.
- Cream Cheese: Room temp makes it blend like silk.
- Powdered Sugar: Up to four cups depending how thick you like your frosting.
- White Chocolate: For drizzling and maybe some chips in the batter.
- Orange Zest: Optional but adds such brightness.
- Vanilla: Makes everything taste better.
Let's Make These Together
- Start With The Base
- Mix your wet ingredients in one bowl dry in another then combine them gently. Fold in those lovely cranberries and white chocolate if you're using it.
- Time To Bake
- Pour that batter into your lined pan spread it nice and even. Into a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until it's just perfect.
- Make The Frosting
- Beat your butter and cream cheese until fluffy add powdered sugar bit by bit. That orange zest and vanilla make everything sing.
- Put It All Together
- Once everything's cool spread that creamy frosting sprinkle with cranberries drizzle with white chocolate. Let it set before cutting into pretty triangles.
My Best Tips
Take your time spreading that batter evenly makes such a difference. Let everything cool completely before frosting trust me on this one. Good white chocolate is worth the splurge and remember you can always add more powdered sugar to get your frosting just right.
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Mix It Up
Sometimes I toss extra white chocolate chips right in the batter. Chopped nuts add lovely crunch and lemon zest works beautifully if you're out of orange. That dark chocolate drizzle? Amazing.
Keep Them Fresh Share The Love
These beauties stay perfect in the fridge for five days. I love wrapping them individually in clear bags with pretty ribbons makes gift-giving so special. Teachers neighbors friends everyone lights up when they get these.
Party Perfect
These bars just light up a holiday gathering. That pop of red from the cranberries creamy white frosting they look as festive as they taste. Don't be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!
Better Than Store-Bought
Making these at home means they're always fresh you control the sweetness and that feeling of creating something special? Priceless. Plus they'll cost less than buying them and taste so much better.
Perfect Partners
Nothing beats these with a cozy cup of coffee or tea. Try them with peppermint mocha or warm spiced cider during the holidays makes everything feel extra special.
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Holiday Magic
These bars just scream holiday celebration. Between those festive colors rich flavors and that gorgeous presentation they're everything I love about holiday baking. They look stunning on any dessert table or brunch spread.
Baking With Heart
I love that these bars are part of something bigger helping support Cookies for Kids' Cancer. Every batch we make and share spreads not just joy but hope too. Makes them taste even sweeter knowing they're doing good.
Fun With Little Ones
Kids absolutely love helping with these bars. Let them drizzle the white chocolate or sprinkle cranberries on top. Those little hands make the best kitchen helpers and create such sweet memories.
Save Some For Later
These freeze beautifully just layer them between parchment in a sealed container. Pop them in the fridge overnight to thaw perfect for surprise visitors or when you need a quick holiday fix.
That Little Bit Of Orange
Don't skip that orange zest if you can help it brings everything together so beautifully. Lemon works in a pinch but that orange-cranberry combo is pure holiday magic.
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Not Just For Holidays
Though they're perfect for Christmas these bars shine any time of year. Try them for birthdays showers or just because. Switch up the shape make them squares instead of triangles they're always a hit.
Feeding A Crowd
Need more? This recipe doubles like a dream. Just grab a bigger pan adjust your baking time slightly. Making a smaller batch? A square pan works perfectly still just as delicious.
Cookie Swap Star
Bring these to your next cookie swap watch how they stand out. Everyone expects regular cookies then these beauties show up! They're always the talk of the party.
Everyone Can Enjoy
Need them gluten free? Use your favorite one-to-one flour blend. Just check all your ingredients especially that white chocolate we want everyone to enjoy these treats.
Pure Joy In Every Bite
There's just something special about these bars. That perfect balance of sweet tart and creamy gets people every time. One batch and I bet they'll become your holiday tradition too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- → Why use dark brown sugar?
Dark brown sugar creates richer, more moist blondies due to its higher molasses content.
- → How should I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
- → Why measure ingredients by weight?
Weight measurements (in grams) provide more accurate and consistent results than volume measurements.
- → Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better texture in both the blondie base and frosting.