Description

Soft, chewy blondies loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a creamy orange-zested frosting, more cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle—these bars are pure holiday magic in every bite. Perfect for parties, gifts, or cozy nights at home!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blondie Bars:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1½ cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon & level)
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup dried cranberries
¾ cup white chocolate chips (or chopped bar)
Optional: ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp orange zest

For the Frosting & Topping:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest
½ cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or grease well.

Step 2: Make Blondie Base

Whisk melted butter and brown sugar until thick and glossy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Gently stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Fold in cranberries, white chocolate, and optional ginger or orange zest.

Step 3: Bake
Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 22–25 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but still slightly moist. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat until creamy and lump-free.

Step 5: Assemble

Spread frosting evenly over cooled blondie base.
Sprinkle chopped cranberries on top.
Drizzle melted white chocolate using a spoon or a piping bag.
Chill at least 1 hour for clean slicing. Cut into squares, then triangles (optional).

Notes

Avoid overmixing once flour is added to prevent dry, cakey bars.
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth frosting.
Freeze fully assembled bars in a single layer; they keep up to 3 months.
Use dried cranberries, not fresh/frozen, to avoid soggy bars.

Nutrition

Calories: 280 kcal per bar
Sugar: 28 g
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g