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Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe

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These Cranberry White Chocolate Bars combine a soft, chewy cookie texture with tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips, finished with a creamy orange-zested cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Perfect for a luxurious treat that rivals Starbucks offerings, these bars are ideal for dessert or a special snack.

Ingredients

Cookie Bars

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp grated orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp almond extract (to preference)
  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup dried craisins (diced)
  • 5/8 cup white chocolate chips (1/2 + 1/3 cups, divided)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tbsp milk of choice
  • Additional orange zest for stirring into frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  2. Prepare butter and sugars: In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, soften the butter by microwaving for 30 seconds covered with a paper towel, so it is softened but not fully melted. Add light brown sugar and white sugar, then use an electric hand mixer to combine thoroughly until the butter is absorbed into the sugars.
  3. Add wet ingredients and flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (amount to your preference), and freshly grated orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the all purpose flour and baking soda to the bowl and beat until a uniform dough forms.
  5. Mix in cranberries and white chocolate chips: Dice dried craisins and white chocolate chips, then gently fold them into the batter with a rubber spatula ensuring even distribution.
  6. Shape and bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down slightly to flatten the top. Bake for 26-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
  7. Chill bars: Remove from oven and place the baking pan onto a pot holder. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours to set and cool completely.
  8. Make cream cheese frosting: While bars chill, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2-4 tablespoons of milk, and some orange zest until smooth and creamy with an electric mixer.
  9. Frost the bars: Once bars are chilled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top surface.
  10. Drizzle melted white chocolate: Melt the remaining white chocolate chips in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent burning. Drizzle the melted chocolate back and forth over the frosted bars. Optionally garnish with extra orange zest and dried cranberries.
  11. Cut and serve: Cut bars into large squares, then slice diagonally to mimic Starbucks’ distinctive shape. Serve and enjoy your delicious cranberry white chocolate bars!

Notes

  • Adjust almond extract amount to your taste preference, starting with 1/4 tsp and increasing if desired.
  • Ensure the butter is softened, not fully melted, for best texture.
  • Chilling the bars before frosting helps the frosting spread easily without melting.
  • Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal and cleaner edges.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/cranberry-white-chocolate-bars-recipe/