Name: Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted

Soft, chewy, and packed with white chocolate and dried cranberries, these Cranberry Bliss Bars are pure holiday magic. Topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting and a scattering of tart cranberries, every bite feels like a little celebration.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, holiday gathering, or just want a festive treat with your coffee, these bars deliver both visual charm and irresistible flavor. They’re a homemade twist on the popular Starbucks seasonal treat—only better, because you made them.

What Kind of White Chocolate Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, use high-quality white chocolate chips or chunks. Avoid candy coating or almond bark, which won’t melt and bake the same way. Ghirardelli or Guittard are excellent options, giving that creamy vanilla-rich finish that pairs perfectly with tangy cranberries.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Bliss Bars

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cranberries

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

How To Make the Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until combined.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in the ginger, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and flour until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 3: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and set in the middle. Let cool completely.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Spread over the cooled bars. Sprinkle chopped cranberries on top and drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Serving and Storing Your Bliss Bars

Slice the frosted bars into triangles or squares for a Starbucks-style presentation. They’re perfect for cookie platters or wrapped as edible gifts.

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Yes! Freeze them unfrosted for up to 2 months. Add frosting and toppings after thawing.

What’s a good substitute for white chocolate?

You can use chopped macadamia nuts or leave them out entirely if preferred.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?

It’s traditional, but a buttercream or mascarpone-based frosting can work well too.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Dried cranberries are best here. Fresh ones will release too much moisture and alter the texture.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these Cranberry Bliss Bars, check out these other sweet bars and cookie treats:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make any tweaks? Swap the white chocolate? Add a citrusy glaze?

I love hearing your creative takes. Share your photos, and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes for more cozy baking ideas!

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 20 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cranberry Bliss Bars are chewy, spiced dessert bars studded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and a sweet drizzle. They’re the perfect copycat of the famous Starbucks treat—homemade and even better.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until combined.

2. Stir in the ginger, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and flour until just combined.

3. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.

4. Spread the batter evenly in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and set in the middle. Let cool completely.

5. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Spread over cooled bars. Top with chopped cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.