Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Best 10-Ingredient Easy Recipe

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: The Perfect Holiday Treat
• 2. Why This Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies Recipe Works
• 3. 10 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
• 4. How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Step-by-Step
  • 4.1. Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
  • 4.2. Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection
  • 4.3. Step 3: Frost and Enjoy!
• 5. Pro Tips for the Best Bliss Bars
• 6. Variations and Substitutions
• 7. Serving Suggestions
• 8. Storing Your Cranberry Bliss Bars
• 9. FAQ

Welcome to your new favorite holiday treat! These incredible Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies bring the festive spirit right to your kitchen. Forget complicated recipes; our version is made with just 10 simple ingredients, ensuring a delightful and stress-free baking experience.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with these vibrant, sweet, and tangy bars. They’re perfect for potlucks, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee.

1. Introduction: The Perfect Holiday Treat

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a homemade treat during the holidays. Our easy cranberry bliss bars recipe captures all the joy and flavor you crave. It’s designed for bakers of all skill levels to create a show-stopping dessert.

From the soft, buttery base to the zesty cream cheese frosting and tart cranberries, every bite is pure bliss. These holiday cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.

2. Why This Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and incredible flavor payoff. We’ve streamlined the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness you expect from classic cranberry bliss bars. The balance of sweet white chocolate and tart dried cranberries is simply irresistible.

Plus, using common pantry staples makes this an accessible and affordable easy dessert recipe. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking or unexpected guests.

3. 10 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking success. Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful bars:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• White chocolate chips
• Dried cranberries
• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Orange zest (fresh is best!)

For best results, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, lump-free batter and frosting.

4. How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Step-by-Step

Creating these festive bars is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time you make Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies.

4.1. Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. 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.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in half of the white chocolate chips and half of the dried cranberries into the dough.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

4.2. Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial before frosting!

4.3. Step 3: Frost and Enjoy!

9. While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar and orange zest, beating until light and fluffy. Add a splash of milk if needed for desired consistency.
11. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
12. Sprinkle the remaining white chocolate chips and dried cranberries over the frosting.
13. Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting, then lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
14. Cut into squares or rectangular bars and serve. Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies!

5. Pro Tips for the Best Bliss Bars

Achieving bakery-quality Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies is simple with a few expert tricks. Don’t skip chilling the bars after frosting; it makes for clean cuts and helps the frosting set perfectly.

For an extra burst of citrus, consider adding a teaspoon of orange juice to your frosting along with the zest. A high-quality vanilla extract also makes a big difference in the overall flavor profile. For more baking tips, visit King Arthur Baking.

6. Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your cranberry bliss bars! If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, milk chocolate or even dark chocolate chips can be a delicious alternative. You can also experiment with different dried fruits like golden raisins or chopped apricots.

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Read our in-depth guide here.

7. Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter, complementing other treats beautifully. Serve them alongside a warm mug of cocoa, coffee, or your favorite festive drink.

They’re also perfect for a holiday brunch or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Arrange them on a nice plate or package them in small boxes for a charming presentation.

8. Storing Your Cranberry Bliss Bars

To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration, so do not leave them at room temperature for extended periods.

You can also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then frost and decorate as usual. This is a great tip for advance holiday baking!

9. FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

While dried cranberries provide the signature chewiness and concentrated flavor for these Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies, you could technically use fresh ones. However, fresh cranberries might release more moisture and alter the texture of the bar. If you do use fresh, chop them finely and consider tossing them with a little flour to help absorb excess moisture.

How can I make sure my cream cheese frosting is smooth?

The key to a super smooth cream cheese frosting is using softened cream cheese and butter (if you add any) at room temperature. Beat the cream cheese alone first until it’s completely smooth before gradually adding the powdered sugar. If it seems too thick, add a tiny bit of milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

For clean cuts, ensure the Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies are thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even an hour) after frosting. Use a sharp, warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts). Clean the knife after each slice for the neatest results.