Cranberry Bliss Bars

Name: Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (use soft/fresh sugar); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon orange extract; Zest of 1 clementine or mandarin (about 1 teaspoon); 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries (preferably soft/fresh); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat, brick-style); 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon orange extract; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; A tiny pinch of salt; 3 tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries, coarsely chopped; 3 tablespoons white chocolate chips; 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

By:

Sarah

Published:

November 19, 2025

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The holiday season calls for delightful treats, and nothing says festive like Cranberry Bliss Bars. These delicious bars combine the chewy texture of cookie bars with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries, making them a crowd-pleaser. Every bite is a blend of rich white chocolate and creamy frosting, resulting in a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a cozy snack, these bars add a touch of charm to any occasion. As we dive into this recipe, you’ll find it’s not only simple but also fun to make. So grab your apron, and let’s enjoy this sweet adventure together!

Why This Recipe Works

Cranberry Bliss Bars perfectly combine chewy cookie bar texture with the rich, festive flavors of seasonal ingredients. The tartness of cranberries balances beautifully with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, creating a delightful concoction that satisfies different taste preferences. Whether you love cookies, cakes, or simply enjoy seasonal flavors, this recipe presents a harmonious blend that feels special and indulgent.

The bars’ versatility is another reason they shine. From holiday parties to cozy family gatherings, they fit right in. Plus, the easy preparation means you can whip them up without a hassle, making it a great go-to dessert for any budding baker.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are not just a pretty dessert; they’re a taste experience! Perfectly suited for various occasions, they bring a festive charm to your dessert table. The balance of flavors will leave your guests craving another bite. Who doesn’t love the combination of sweet, tart, and creamy all in one delicious package?

Moreover, they make a fantastic holiday gift. Wrap them up in festive packaging, and you’ll have a handmade treat that speaks from the heart. Everyone loves a delicious homemade gift, and Cranberry Bliss Bars make it easy and fun to share your love for baking.

Ingredients

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 cup light brown sugar, packed (use soft/fresh sugar)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
Zest of 1 clementine or mandarin (about 1 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries (preferably soft/fresh)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat, brick-style)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A tiny pinch of salt
3 tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

Preparation Method

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch pan by spraying it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang; this makes it a breeze to lift the bars out after baking.

Melt the Butter

In a light-colored, wide saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, lower the heat to medium. Stir it constantly until you notice a nutty aroma and see light-brown specks under the foam. Quickly take it off the heat and pour it into a bowl, making sure to scrape out all those golden bits from the bottom. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Mix the Base Ingredients

Next, add the brown sugar to the cooled butter. Whisk it vigorously till it looks like wet sand. Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, orange zest, ground ginger, and salt. Mix until the mixture is creamy and well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the flour, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries using a spatula. It’s essential to mix until there are no dry streaks of flour visible; just remember, the batter should be thick.

Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25–27 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the top feels set. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for about 10–15 minutes. Carefully lift them out using the parchment overhang and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting

While the bars cool, you can whip up the frosting. Microwave the softened cream cheese in 10-second intervals, letting it rest for 30 seconds between each burst until it stirs easily. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese together with the powdered sugar, orange extract, and vanilla extract until it becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Frost and Drizzle

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting on top. For a festive touch, sprinkle the coarsely chopped cranberries over the frosting. To make the drizzle, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second bursts, stirring in between until it’s melted and smooth. Transfer this mixture to a zip-top bag, snip a corner, and drizzle it over the bars. Let the drizzle set before moving on.

Cut and Serve

When the drizzle has set, cut the bars into 9 squares. For a unique presentation, slice each square diagonally to create 18 triangle-shaped bars. These treats not only look lovely but are just the right size for enjoying after a hearty meal or alongside a warm drink.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Bliss Bars make the perfect companion to a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their rich flavors harmonize beautifully with warm beverages, creating a cozy experience that’s hard to resist. They’re also a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings or dessert spreads, bringing color and taste that everyone will appreciate.

Tips for Success

Use fresh, soft cranberries and white chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing, which leads to a smoother frosting.
Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can result in dry bars, so check them around the 25-minute mark.

Variations

If you’re in the mood for a twist, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Alternatively, you can swap out the cranberries for dried cherries to create a different flavor profile that still embodies that festive spirit.

Storage Tips

To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’d like to enjoy them later, these bars freeze beautifully, just make sure they’re wrapped properly before stashing them in the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?
You can, but be aware that they may slightly alter the texture. If using fresh cranberries, chop them coarsely and adjust the sugar to taste.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make the frosting in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting beforehand. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden, the top feels set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

What beverages pair well with these bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars taste fantastic with spiced chai, coffee, or hot chocolate, all of which enhance their festive flavors.

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than a simple dessert—they capture the joy of baking and sharing. Each bite is a reminder of warmth and connection during the holiday season. Enjoy these delightful bars at your next gathering, and let their flavors light up the room!