Description
Capture the holiday spirit with these luscious blondie bars featuring a chewy, buttery base packed with dried cranberries and white chocolate. Finished with a velvety cream cheese frosting and a hint of fresh orange zest, these bars offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them the ultimate festive treat for gifting or cozy afternoon rituals.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzling)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, then stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and set.
Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth and creamy.
Spread frosting over the cooled bars.
For the final touch, melt the remaining white chocolate and drizzle over the top, then cut into triangles.
Notes
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor, bring them to room temperature before serving so the frosting is soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg