These golden blondies boast a wonderfully dense texture. Moreover, they capture the bright, festive flavors you crave every winter holiday. I think you will adore this simple Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat} recipe. The tangy cranberries truly sing against the sweet white chocolate base. Truly, making these at home feels like a little gift.

I often bake a batch for casual Sunday coffee dates. They hold up beautifully on the counter for days. Furthermore, my family always asks for them first at any gathering. This dessert brings such effortless joy to any busy week.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this copycat recipe so much. Seriously quick prep time gets it done fast. The blondie base is wonderfully moist. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds necessary tang. It always steals the show at potlucks. Everybody thinks they are store-bought gems. Making Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat} truly simplifies holiday baking.

Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat} Ingredients

The magic here lies in balancing rich sweetness with citrusy brightness. We use simple pantry staples for this fantastic result. Remember, you can find all exact measurements in the detailed card below.

Substitutions and Tips

Brown Sugar: This gives our blondie base that classic chewy texture. Do not substitute it with white sugar here.
White Chocolate Chips: These melt beautifully into the batter. Use good quality chunks for the best flavor.
Dried Cranberries: The core tart element. If they seem dry, soak them briefly in warm water first.
Orange Zest/Juice: This crucial component mimics that signature Starbucks zing. It brightens the whole dessert.
Cream Cheese: Essential for that tangy, luscious icing consistency. Make sure it is truly room temperature.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

One 8×8 inch baking pan is standard.
Use parchment paper for easy lift-out.
Mixing bowls and a sturdy whisk work well.
A spatula helps spread the thick batter evenly.
Cooling rack is needed for complete chill time.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat}

Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First, set your oven heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper carefully. Make sure the paper hangs over two sides. This acts as a handle later on.

Mixing the Blondie Base

Melt your butter gently in a saucepan. Then, whisk the melted butter with that packed brown sugar well. Now, beat in the egg and vanilla extract smoothly. Always scrape down the bowl sides once or twice. In a separate bowl, whisk the dry items together first. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, friends. Overmixing makes tough bars. Finally, fold in the white chocolate chips. Also add the dried cranberries and lovely orange zest.

Baking the Bars

Spread this thick blondie batter right into your prepared pan. Press it down very firmly and evenly today. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes total. You want golden edges showing. A toothpick should have moist crumbs attached. Let the base cool fully on a rack. This step is very important now.

Whipping the Cream Cheese Frosting

Soften your cream cheese and butter fully beforehand. Beat them until they look creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar slowly now. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla and the orange juice last. This creates the perfect tangy topping.

Assembling and Finishing

Once the blondie base is totally cold, spread the frosting. Cover the top edge-to-edge smoothly. Now, melt the remaining white chocolate carefully. Drizzle this melted chocolate over your frosted layer artfully. Sprinkle finely chopped residual dried cranberries right on top. Cover the entire thing and chill for half an hour. This helps the glaze set nicely. Carefully lift the whole slab out. Slice into those perfect triangles or squares.

How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat}

These delicious bars keep so well for you. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. They taste excellent cold, too. For longer storage, absolutely freeze them. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap first. Then, place them inside a freezer bag. They last up to three months frozen easily. Thaw them overnight on the counter before serving.