Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Best 10-Ingredient Easy Recipe

Name: Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Best 10-Ingredient Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup white chocolate chips

Introduction: The Perfect Cranberry Treat
Why This Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies Recipe is the Best
The 10 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Essential Tips for Perfect Bliss Bars
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Bliss Bars
Variations and Substitutions
F.A.Q

Welcome to your new favorite holiday treat! These Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Best 10-Ingredient Easy Recipe are an absolute dream, bringing the festive flavors of cranberry and white chocolate together in a delightfully chewy bar. Forget complicated desserts; this recipe is designed for ease without sacrificing any of that signature bliss bar taste.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter, a delightful treat for a potluck, or just craving something sweet and tangy, these cranberry bliss bars hit all the right notes. Get ready to bake a batch of pure joy that everyone will adore!

Introduction: The Perfect Cranberry Treat

The magic of cranberry bliss bars lies in their harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and creamy textures. Originating from popular coffee shop treats, these bars have become a staple for many during the fall and winter seasons. Our version simplifies the process, making it accessible for even novice bakers.

You’ll love how quickly these come together, turning simple ingredients into an impressive and incredibly delicious dessert. The vibrant cranberries add a beautiful pop of color and a zesty counterpoint to the rich white chocolate. Truly a perfect cranberry treat for any occasion!

Why This Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies Recipe is the Best

There are countless cranberry bliss bar recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it uses only 10 key ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. This means less shopping and more baking!

Secondly, the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring a perfect batch every time. The resulting Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Best 10-Ingredient Easy Recipe yields a bar that is perfectly chewy, intensely flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It truly captures the essence of classic bliss bars with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy holiday baking.

The 10 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss! Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible cranberry bliss bars:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Dried cranberries
White chocolate chips (for both the bar and frosting)

For the frosting, you’ll also need cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk or cream. Optionally, a little orange zest can elevate the flavor even further!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of delightful cranberry bliss bar cookies. Precision is key, but don’t worry, it’s a very forgiving recipe!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the dried cranberries and most of the white chocolate chips, reserving some for garnish if desired.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Baking and Cooling

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for the frosting to set properly.

Step 3: Frosting and Finishing Touches

While the bars cool, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and creamy. Add vanilla extract and a splash of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Melt the remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle them decoratively over the frosting.
Sprinkle with a few extra dried cranberries for a beautiful finish.
Cut into squares or rectangular bars and serve.

Essential Tips for Perfect Bliss Bars

To ensure your cranberry bliss bars turn out absolutely perfect, keep these tips in mind. Using softened butter for both the dough and the frosting is critical for a smooth, lump-free consistency. Make sure it’s room temperature, not melted.

Don’t overbake the bars; they should still be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking leads to dry bars. Also, resist the urge to frost warm bars – patience is a virtue here!

For more baking insights, Read our in-depth guide here.

Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies are best served at room temperature, allowing the frosting to be perfectly creamy. They are wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea, especially during the holidays.

Store any leftover bliss bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months; simply thaw, frost, and enjoy when ready!

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your cranberry bliss bars! For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cookie dough and/or the frosting. This really enhances the cranberry notes.

If you’re not a fan of dried cranberries, feel free to substitute them with other dried fruits like chopped apricots or cherries for a different twist. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, although white chocolate is traditional. Learn more about the history and making of white chocolate on Smithsonian Magazine.

F.A.Q

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While dried cranberries provide a concentrated sweetness and chewiness, you can use fresh cranberries. However, they will add more moisture and tartness, so you might need to reduce the amount slightly and possibly add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough.

How do I prevent my bliss bars from drying out?

The key to moist bliss bars is not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the center still looks slightly soft. They will continue to cook as they cool. Also, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator helps maintain their moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before pressing into the pan and baking as directed.