During the holidays I enjoy spending time with my family. We often have dinner together and then will play a game. Our current favorite is Buzz Words, which we like to play boys versus girls. It’s not really the game itself, it’s just being able to sit down and spend time with each other.
After we are finished playing games it’s usually time for dessert. As desserts are my specialty, I am the one who makes the desserts. I like to make seasonal desserts that are holiday appropriate. One that I have found that is perfect for winter holidays is the Cranberry Bliss Bar.
The Bliss Bars have a layer of blondies, topped off with cream cheese frosting, and sprinkled with cranberries. Not only is it delicious but it’s a pretty dessert as well. This dessert is easy to make but is certainly a crowd pleaser.
Cranberry Bliss Bars (adapted from Taste of Home)
3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
2 1/4 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 c. white chocolate chips
Frosting:
1/2 package (4 oz) cream cheese
1/4 c. butter, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. white chocolate chips, melted
3/4 c. dried cranberries
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan with baking spray.
2. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to brown. It will smell nutty. Once it begins to turn brown remove it from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl mix the browned butter and brown sugar. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
4. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and white chocolate chips.
5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir well. Spread into the greased pan and bake for 20-22 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
6. To make the frosting combine the cream cheese and butter in a bowl. Beat with a mixer until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Pour in the melted white chocolate and beat until smooth.
7. Frost the top of the blondies with the frosting. Sprinkle with cranberries. Cut into bars and serve.
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The Running Chef says
I have made these a few times, they are SOOOOO good!!!
I am glad someone else shares my addiction 🙂
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
I have seen these and always wanted to make them! They sound delicious! No more excuses!
Happy day #2!
Ammie Rivera says
I would choose the blue!
Tara Noland says
I love these and they are perfect at Christmas!!
wendyweekendgourmet says
This is my favorite holiday treat at Starbuck’s…good to know I can whip them up at home!
Soni says
My five year old loves blondies and I love your recipe!So festive with that cream cheese frosting and the cranberries!
Aimee ~ See Aimee Cook says
I love the ones at Starbucks – I must try these at home!
Brenna says
I would probably pick the fennel color and these bars look awesome. I had them once and loved them. I can’t wait to make them for myself.
Sarah @ Will Run for Pasta says
Ooh, I love those at Starbucks, will have to try this version! (cheaper probably, haha)
Kim Bee says
These look scrumptious Heather. I love cranberries so these would be a hit at my house. Thanks again for joining us this week. xx
Kristin King says
Wow these look so nice and easy!! I might just have to try them!
princessmegamomma says
i love the blue ones!
princessmegamomma says
i love the blue ones. about to make these bars for my son’s teacher appreciation lunch tomorrow.