We get excited every year when Starbucks brings back their Cranberry Bliss Bars. Our version isn't exactly the same, but we love these simple to make cookie bars with chewy dried cranberries and topped with cream cheese and fresh orange zest. They are so good!
These don't last long in my house. Even my son, who limits his sweets, was caught sneaking a couple for breakfast one morning.
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Chewy, tart dried cranberries mixed with sweet and silky cream cheese frosting.
These flavors are all brought together with the addition of ground ginger and fresh orange zest. So yummy!
You will definitely want to make enough to share with family and friends.
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Ingredients needed
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Flour
- Salt
- Baking Powder
- Orange Extract
- Ground Ginger
- White Baking Chips
- Dried Cranberries
- Cream Cheese
- Powdered Sugar
- Orange Zest
How to make the cookie base
Cream together the butter with the brown sugar. Add the eggs and orange extract.
Continue to mix until the batter is light and creamy.
Next, add the flour, salt, baking powder, and ground ginger. Mix everything until combined.
Now, add the white baking chips and dried cranberries. Stir to combine.
Spread the cookie dough base into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish that has been coated with non-stick spray. Place the dish into the oven and bake.
When the cookies are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle, remove the cookies from the oven and place on a rack to cool.
How to make the cream cheese frosting
Put the butter and white baking chips in a microwave-safe bowl. In 20-30 second increments in the microwave, heat, and stir until the chips are melted.
Add the cream cheese and beat with the electric mixer until creamy.
Next, add the powdered sugar.
Continue to mix until creamy and completely blended together.
Once the cookie base is cool, spread the frosting over the top.
Sprinkle dried cranberries and orange zest over the top of the Cranberry Bliss Bars. Cut into squares or triangles and serve!
These cookies are best stored in the refrigerator.
Enjoy these Cranberry Bliss Bars any time of the day, or really, and time of the year!
Blueberry Bliss Bars?
Why not?
- Replace dried cranberries with dried blueberries.
- Omit the ground ginger and add ground cinnamon.
- Use a little lemon extract instead of orange extract.
- Instead of orange zest, use lemon zest. Tasty!
Be creative, and this recipe can easily be changed up using different flavors.
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Recipe
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Equipment
- Electric hand mixer
Ingredients
For the cookie base
- ½ cup Butter
- ¾ cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Orange Extract
- 1 cup Flour
- ¾ teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ½ cup Dried Cranberries Like Craisins
- ½ cup White Baking Chips
For the cream cheese frosting
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- ¼ cup White Baking Chips
- 3 ounces Cream Cheese
- ½ teaspoon Orange Extract
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
Toppings
- Dried Cranberries Craisins
- Fresh Orange Zest
Instructions
For the cookie bars
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degress.
- Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Cream together butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs and orange extract. Mix with the electric mixer until light and creamy.
- Next, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
- Add the dried cranberries and white baking chips. Stir to combine. Put the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down slightly.
- Bake in the oven for 20 - 24 minutes until done. Cool slightly.
For the topping
- Place the butter and white baking chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat and stir, in 20 - 30 second increments, until the chips are melted.
- Add the cream cheese and orange extract, mix well with the electric mixer. Next, add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until well blended.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting onto the cooled cookie base. Sprinkle dried cranberries and orange zest over the frosting.
- Cut into squares or triangles and serve. Best if stored in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Replace dried cranberries with dried blueberries.
- Omit the ground ginger and add ground cinnamon.
- Use a little lemon extract instead of orange extract.
- Instead of orange zest, use lemon zest. Tasty!
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