Name: Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: PT-490015H11M49S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 3/4 cup white chocolate chips; 2/3 cup dried cranberries; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)

Cranberry Bliss Bars are the ultimate holiday-inspired treat that bring together the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the tart sparkle of dried cranberries. With a chewy blondie base and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are bursting with color and festive flavor in every bite. They’re not just pretty to look at—they deliver a rich, buttery taste that makes them absolutely irresistible for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

This Starbucks copycat is surprisingly simple to recreate in your own kitchen and tastes even better homemade. The recipe features a harmonious layering of textures: soft and dense cookie bar base, topped with silky-smooth frosting, and finished with a scattering of ruby-red cranberries and white chocolate drizzle. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or just need a comforting winter snack, Cranberry Bliss Bars hit the sweet spot perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars

Holiday Vibes in Every Bite: They look like Christmas and taste like joy. Perfect for gifting or sharing.
Better Than Starbucks: Richer, fresher, and more generous on the toppings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully, making them a great dessert for planning ahead.
Simple Yet Elegant: No complicated techniques, but a show-stopping result.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into baking, it’s helpful to prepare your tools and ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these Cranberry Bliss Bars seamlessly:

9×13-inch Baking Pan: Essential for shaping the base evenly and ensuring uniform baking.
Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Vital for creaming the butter and sugars to get a fluffy blondie base and smooth frosting.
Spatula: Ideal for spreading the batter and frosting evenly without disrupting the texture.
Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: Needed for gently melting the white chocolate without scorching.
Cooling Rack: Important for letting the bars cool evenly before frosting.

Having everything set up makes this recipe easy to follow, and you’ll enjoy the process as much as the final product.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Bliss Bars

Brown Sugar: Provides a deep caramel-like sweetness that forms the perfect chewy blondie base.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and keeps the bars moist and flavorful.
Eggs: Essential for structure and holding the bar together.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors in both the base and frosting.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation that supports the dense yet soft texture.
Ground Ginger & Cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice note to the blondie layer.
White Chocolate Chips: Melted and mixed in for creamy richness, and drizzled for a festive finish.
Dried Cranberries: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness, adding texture and color.
Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting, bringing tang and creamy contrast.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without grittiness.

How To Make the Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Make the Blondie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Stir in flour, cinnamon, and ginger until just combined. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 18–22 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the blondie base is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Step 3: Garnish with Cranberries and White Chocolate

Sprinkle dried cranberries over the frosted bars. Melt white chocolate and drizzle it in a zigzag pattern across the top for that iconic Cranberry Bliss look.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Chill the bars for 15–20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing into triangles or squares. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store These Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are ideal for serving at room temperature. For a cleaner cut and firmer texture, chill them briefly before slicing. Present them on a festive platter or in treat bags for gifting.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.