Step into the festive spirit and transform your kitchen into a cozy holiday cafe with these irresistible Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. Imagine buttery blondies, generously studded with creamy white chocolate and tangy dried cranberries, all crowned with a luscious, zesty orange cream cheese frosting. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and tart, delivering that signature Starbucks holiday magic right to your home. This expertly crafted recipe promises to capture the very essence of your favorite seasonal treat, making it accessible to every home baker.
This beloved recipe has undergone extensive testing and refinement to achieve the perfect copycat texture and flavor. Expect delightful chewy edges, a melt-in-your-mouth soft center, and a perfectly balanced sweetness that makes these bars truly addictive. Forget long queues and expensive trips to the coffee shop; now you can recreate this iconic dessert with ease, bringing joy and a touch of holiday cheer to your family and friends.
A Culinary Journey: From Concept to Perfection
I first introduced a version of this recipe in 2020, and it quickly became a standout favorite among my readers, garnering immense popularity. Over the years, countless home bakers recreated it, offering valuable feedback and inspiring me to push for even greater perfection. Drawing from dozens of reader remakes and applying subtle bakery-level tweaks, I realized it was time for a serious upgrade. This improved rendition features an enhanced white chocolate content for richer flavor, a more luxurious buttery base for unparalleled depth, and a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture that comes even closer to Starbucks’ original holiday delight.
Every element, from ingredient ratios to baking times, has been retested multiple times to ensure these bars hold their shape beautifully, slice cleanly, and deliver an unforgettable taste experience. If you’ve enjoyed my earlier version, prepare to be absolutely won over by these enhancements. The difference is truly remarkable, and I’m incredibly excited for you to try them again and discover the elevated bliss.
Why You’ll Adore These Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
These Cranberry Bliss Bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, meticulously designed to bring warmth and delight to your holiday season. Here’s why this recipe will become a cherished part of your festive baking traditions:
- Authentic Starbucks Flavor at Home: Recreate the iconic taste you know and love from Starbucks, allowing you to enjoy this seasonal favorite anytime, without leaving your kitchen. This recipe perfectly captures the unique balance of sweet, tart, and spiced notes that define the original.
- Superior Soft & Chewy Blondie Base: Our blondie base is engineered for perfection. It’s incredibly soft, boasts a satisfying chewiness, and remains fresh and delicious for days when stored properly. No dry or crumbly bars here – just pure, buttery bliss.
- Tangy Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: The vibrant cream cheese frosting, infused with fresh orange zest, provides a crucial tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the blondie and white chocolate. This bright, citrusy element elevates the entire dessert, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced and utterly refreshing.
- Economical and Convenient: Save money and avoid the holiday rush by making these delicious bars yourself. Using simple, readily available pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch (or two!) for a fraction of the cost of buying them at the coffee shop.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are incredibly versatile. They’re an elegant addition to holiday cookie boxes, a show-stopping feature on dessert platters, and a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s sure to impress. Their festive appearance and delightful flavor make them ideal for celebrations big and small.
- Easy to Follow Instructions: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, our detailed, step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process. We’ve simplified complex techniques so you can achieve professional results with confidence.
Essential Ingredients and Their Role in Perfection
Crafting the perfect Cranberry Bliss Bar relies on a precise combination of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why these components are indispensable:
- Unsalted Butter (Melted & Cooled): This forms the foundational richness of our blondie base. Using melted butter, rather than softened, contributes to the dense, chewy texture characteristic of a true blondie, ensuring that delightful classic bite. Cooling it slightly prevents the eggs from scrambling when added.
- Packed Light Brown Sugar: Beyond sweetness, brown sugar brings crucial moisture to the blondies, keeping them incredibly soft and fudgy. Its molasses content also imparts a subtle caramel-like depth, a key flavor note that perfectly mimics Starbucks’ beloved bars.
- Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Eggs are the primary binder in our blondies, holding all the ingredients together. Using room temperature eggs ensures they emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more consistent, tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract + Orange Zest (or Orange Extract): These two extracts are the backbone of the holiday flavor profile. Vanilla provides warm, comforting notes, while fresh orange zest (or a touch of orange extract) offers a bright, aromatic lift. Orange pairs exquisitely with both cranberry and white chocolate, enhancing the festive essence.
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the necessary structure for the bars, preventing them from becoming too crumbly. Measuring it correctly (spoon and level) is crucial to ensure the bars remain tender, not dense or cakey.
- Baking Powder + Baking Soda: A small amount of these leavening agents is used to give the blondies just enough lift, ensuring a light chew without making them excessively cake-like. This balance is key to the desired texture.
- Ground Ginger + Ground Cinnamon: These subtle yet essential spices are what truly make these bars recognizable as the Starbucks classic. They balance the sweetness with a warm, inviting spice, adding depth and that unmistakable holiday character without being overpowering. Don’t skip the ginger!
- White Chocolate Chips (or Chopped White Chocolate): White chocolate is integrated directly into the blondie base, providing pockets of creamy sweetness and a delightful textural contrast. Additionally, it forms a crucial component of the luscious cream cheese frosting, adding a smooth richness. Opt for good quality white chocolate for the best flavor.
- Dried Cranberries (Roughly Chopped): The tartness of dried cranberries is absolutely vital. They cut through the sweetness of the white chocolate and frosting, providing bursts of tangy flavor and beautiful pops of festive color throughout the bars and as a garnish.
- Cream Cheese (Softened): The star of the frosting! Full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature, creates the tangy, velvety smooth, and utterly decadent frosting that defines this dessert. Its slight tanginess beautifully complements the sweet blondie.
- Powdered Sugar: The base of our silky-smooth frosting. Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) dissolves easily, ensuring a lump-free, perfectly sweet frosting with a delicate texture.
- Salt (for both Blondies and Frosting): A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and making the fruity and spicy notes sing. It’s a small but mighty ingredient.
Crafting Your Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars: A Detailed Step-By-Step Guide
Creating these iconic bars is a straightforward process, yielding impressive results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Cranberry Bliss Bars are nothing short of perfect. Remember to always check the full recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and baking temperatures.
Part 1: Preparing the Irresistible Blondie Base
- Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides. This parchment “sling” will make lifting the baked and cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy for neat slicing.
- Combine Wet Ingredients (Butter & Sugar): In a large mixing bowl, pour in your melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter. Add the packed light brown sugar. Using a whisk, vigorously combine these two ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and cohesive, taking about 1 minute. The goal is a uniform, slightly glossy consistency.
- Integrate Eggs & Flavorings: Next, crack in the two large, room-temperature eggs. Incorporate the vanilla extract and the fresh orange zest (or orange extract if using). Continue whisking until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture appears light and somewhat airy. Ensure there are no streaks of egg visible.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final bars.
- Gently Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold the ingredients together until they are *just* combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough blondies. Stop folding as soon as no pockets of dry flour remain.
- Add Cranberries & White Chocolate: Now, gently fold in the roughly chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate pieces). Continue folding only until these additions are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Overmixing at this stage can also develop gluten, affecting the texture.
- Spread into Pan: Transfer the thick blondie batter into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use the back of your spatula or an offset spatula to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring a consistent thickness for even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 22-26 minutes. Look for the edges to appear lightly golden and set, while the center should still look slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Overbaking will result in dry bars, so err on the side of slightly underdone, as they will continue to set as they cool. For precision, the internal temperature of the center should be around 200-202°F (93-94°C) when pulled.
- Cool Completely: This step is non-negotiable! Allow the blondie slab to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take at least 1-2 hours. Attempting to frost warm bars will lead to a melted, messy frosting. Patience is key here.
Part 2: Creating the Velvety Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese & Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat these two ingredients together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, incredibly fluffy, and completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Add Powdered Sugar & Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until fully incorporated, then increase speed to medium until smooth and free of lumps. Mix in the vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Finally, pour in the slightly cooled melted white chocolate. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined and the frosting is smooth and velvety. Be careful not to overbeat once the powdered sugar is in, as this can incorporate too much air and make the frosting less stable.
- Frost the Cooled Bars: Once the blondie bars are completely cool, evenly spread the prepared cream cheese frosting over their surface. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth, beautiful layer.
Part 3: Finishing and Serving Your Bliss Bars
- Decorate with Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining roughly chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosted bars. For that signature Starbucks look, melt a small amount of white chocolate, let it cool slightly, then drizzle it over the bars in a striking crosshatch or classic zigzag pattern. A final sprinkle of fresh orange zest adds an extra burst of aroma and visual appeal, if desired.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 30 minutes (or longer) to allow the frosting to firm up. This crucial step ensures clean, precise cuts and prevents the frosting from smearing when you slice the bars.
- Lift, Cut, and Serve: Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into 16 perfect squares, or, for the authentic Starbucks experience, follow our cutting diagram below to achieve those iconic triangular shapes. Serve slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the science behind achieving that coveted chewy blondie texture, this guide from America’s Test Kitchen offers invaluable insights and techniques.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a versatile treat that can elevate any moment. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy them:
- Coffee Shop Companions: They are the quintessential companion to your favorite warm beverages. Pair them with a steaming hot latte, a comforting chai tea, or a rich, homemade hot chocolate for an indulgent experience.
- Festive Dessert Platters: Cut into their iconic triangular shape, these bars make a stunning addition to any holiday dessert platter. Their vibrant colors and festive flavors stand out beautifully alongside other holiday sweets like cookies and truffles.
- Thoughtful Edible Gifts: Package a few bars in a charming box or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift. They’re perfect for teachers, neighbors, or as a host gift during the holiday season.
- Starbucks-Inspired Ensemble: For an ultimate coffee shop experience at home, serve these bliss bars alongside other homemade Starbucks-inspired delights. Try my Merry Mint White Mocha for a truly festive duo. You might also love my Salted Caramel Cold Brew, Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins, and Blueberry Starbucks Scones – they all capture the beloved flavors of your favorite coffee shop treats.
Mastering the Iconic Triangular Cut for Your White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies
One of the most distinctive features of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars is their iconic triangular shape. While cutting them into simple squares is perfectly fine, achieving those neat triangles adds an extra touch of authenticity and elegance. We’ve provided a helpful diagram to guide you through slicing your 8×8-inch blondies just like the ones you’d find at Starbucks.
Here’s how to achieve the perfect triangular cuts:
- First, Square Cuts (Red Lines): Begin by cutting your entire baked and frosted slab of blondies into four equal vertical strips, and then into four equal horizontal strips. This will give you 16 perfect squares. Follow the guidelines indicated by the red lines in the diagram.
- Next, Diagonal Cuts (Blue Lines): Once you have your 16 squares, take each individual square. Now, carefully slice from one corner to the opposite corner, following the guidelines shown by the blue lines. This will divide each square into two triangles.
- The Final Touch (Orange Lines): For some of the smaller triangles and to maximize your yield, you can make additional cuts. Look at the diagram and follow the orange lines. These will help you convert any remaining rectangular pieces or to make additional small, perfect triangle-shaped bliss bars from the edges.
Ensure your knife is sharp and wipe it clean between cuts to achieve the neatest edges, especially important when slicing through the cream cheese frosting and chewy blondie base. Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting, as this will prevent the frosting from sticking to your knife and ensure cleaner lines.
Expert Tips for Achieving Blissful Perfection
To ensure your Cranberry Bliss Bars turn out flawlessly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Plan Ahead for Enhanced Flavor: These bars taste even more incredible after the flavors have had a chance to meld and deepen. If possible, make them a day in advance; the flavors develop beautifully over 24 hours, resulting in a richer, more harmonious taste experience.
- Resist Overbaking: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for moist, chewy blondies. The bars should appear slightly soft and gooey in the very center when you remove them from the oven. The edges will be lightly golden. Don’t worry, they will continue to firm up and set perfectly as they cool. An overbaked blondie will be dry and crumbly.
- The Magic of Ground Ginger: Do not underestimate the power of ground ginger in this recipe. Even a small amount is absolutely essential for imparting that authentic, warm, and subtly spiced flavor that makes these bars a true Starbucks copycat. It’s a key differentiator.
- Chill for Pristine Slices: Always chill the frosted bars thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or longer) before attempting to slice them. This allows the cream cheese frosting to set firmly, enabling you to make clean, professional-looking cuts without smearing the frosting.
- Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: Ensure your cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at true room temperature (softened but not melted). This allows them to cream together smoothly and without lumps, resulting in a perfectly velvety frosting.
- Don’t Overmix the Blondie Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense blondies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- For Thinner Bars: If you prefer a thinner bar, you can absolutely use a larger 9×13-inch baking pan. Just be sure to reduce the baking time by a few minutes, typically checking for doneness around 18-22 minutes.
- Use Good Quality White Chocolate: The quality of your white chocolate will significantly impact the flavor. Opt for baking-grade white chocolate chips or a good quality white chocolate bar chopped into pieces for both the blondie and the frosting.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars tasting fresh and delightful for as long as possible, proper storage is key:
- Optimal Serving Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, serve these bars slightly chilled. This keeps the cream cheese frosting firm and enhances the overall taste profile, making each bite cool and refreshing.
- Refrigeration is Essential: Due to the cream cheese in the frosting, these bars must be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other food odors. When properly stored, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.
- Freezing for Longer Enjoyment: You can easily prepare these bars in advance and freeze them. For best results, freeze the unfrosted blondie bars. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the blondies at room temperature, then prepare the frosting and decorate as usual. You can also freeze individual frosted bars, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 month, though the frosting texture might be slightly altered upon thawing.
- Thawing Frozen Bars: If freezing frosted bars, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator a few hours before serving to allow them to thaw gradually. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About These Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars – FAQs
Absolutely! While fresh orange zest offers the most vibrant flavor, you can certainly adapt. If you don’t have orange extract, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of additional fresh orange zest for the blondie base and 1 teaspoon for the frosting, along with 1-2 teaspoons of fresh orange juice in the frosting to enhance that bright, natural citrus flavor. If you have neither, you can omit the orange entirely, but the bars will lack that characteristic tangy zest that makes them truly “blissful.”
Yes, definitely. Because the frosting is made with cream cheese and butter, it is perishable at room temperature. For food safety and to maintain the best texture and freshness, keep them covered tightly in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They are actually best enjoyed slightly chilled, as the frosting will be perfectly firm.
Unfortunately, no. Dried cranberries are a key ingredient for this recipe and cannot be directly substituted with fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries contain a much higher moisture content, which would release too much liquid into the blondie batter during baking, significantly altering the texture and potentially making the bars soggy. Their tartness is also much more intense when fresh, which could overpower the other flavors.
Achieving that perfect drizzle is simple! First, melt your white chocolate (either in a microwave in 30-second intervals or over a double boiler) until smooth. Let it cool slightly, but ensure it’s still pourable. Transfer the melted chocolate into a small piping bag with a tiny tip (or snip a very small corner off a Ziploc bag). Alternatively, you can use a fork. Hold the bag or fork a few inches above the frosted bars and move it quickly back and forth in a zigzag pattern across the surface. Practice on a piece of parchment paper first if you’re nervous!
Cakey blondies are usually a sign of overmixing the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, more cake-like texture instead of the desired dense and chewy blondie. Make sure to fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients only until just combined, stopping as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.
While you technically *can* use other types of chocolate, it will significantly change the flavor profile and move away from the “Cranberry Bliss Bar” experience. White chocolate is essential for the iconic taste and appearance, as its creamy sweetness beautifully complements the tart cranberries and orange zest. Milk or dark chocolate would create a very different, though still potentially delicious, dessert.
These chewy cranberry bliss bars are soft, buttery, and perfectly tangy – a true Starbucks copycat designed for cozy winter days and festive gatherings. The exquisite balance of creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and bright orange cream cheese frosting ensures every single bite is a delightful moment of holiday joy. They are more than just a dessert; they are an invitation to savor the most wonderful time of the year, one delicious bar at a time.
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Better Copycat)
Print Recipe
Ingredients
For the Blondie Bars:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 ¾ cup (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground ginger (critical for flavor!)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup (100g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup (130g) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 oz (85g) white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For Topping:
- ¼ cup (35g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 oz (28g) white chocolate, melted for drizzle
- Extra orange zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Bars:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute.
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Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until combined and smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan. It will be thick, use the back of a spatula to smooth it out.
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Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The center may look slightly underdone, that’s okay, it will set as it cools. Start checking at 22 minutes. When the center hits 200-202°F (93-94°C), pull them immediately.
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Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1-2 hours).
Make the Frosting:
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In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
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Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, salt, and melted white chocolate until well combined and smooth. Do not overmix.
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Spread frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars using an offset spatula.
Finish:
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Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle with melted white chocolate in a crosshatch or zigzag pattern. Add a sprinkle of fresh orange zest if desired.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before cutting.
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Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares (or cut into triangles using the diagram provided above!).
Notes
If you loved my original 2020 version, here’s a quick recap of the ingredient differences for reference! That version yields a slightly lighter, classic-style bar with a simpler frosting profile.
For the old version, cream 10 tbsp butter with ½ cup brown sugar, then add 1 egg, ½ tsp vanilla, and ½ tbsp orange zest. Mix in 1¼ cups flour, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp ginger, ¼ cup chopped dried cranberries, and ⅔ cup white chocolate chips. Bake in an 8×8 pan at 350°F for 20–22 minutes.
Frost with a mixture of 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, ¼ tsp vanilla, ½ tbsp orange zest, and ¼ cup melted white chocolate. Finish by topping with more cranberries and a drizzle of white chocolate. Always chill before slicing!
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 41g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 15g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g |
Trans Fat: 0.3g |
Cholesterol: 50mg |
Sodium: 188mg |
Potassium: 97mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 29g |
Vitamin A: 353IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 63mg |
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.