Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies

Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Best 10-Minute Recipe

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Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Best 10-Minute Recipe

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Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday treat: the Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Best 10-Minute Recipe! These delightful bars feature a soft, chewy base, bursts of tangy cranberries, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that will make your taste buds sing.

Perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy night in, these simple Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies truly live up to their name. You won’t believe how quickly you can whip up such a fantastic dessert!

Introduction: Your New Favorite 10-Minute Dessert

Who said baking delicious treats has to take hours? With this incredible recipe, you can enjoy homemade bliss in just minutes. These Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies are a game-changer for busy bakers.

Forget complicated steps and lengthy ingredient lists. Our streamlined approach ensures you get maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s truly the perfect dessert for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies

These bars are more than just a quick dessert; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries creates an irresistible balance that keeps you coming back for more.

They’re also incredibly versatile, ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or simply a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, everyone loves a treat that looks impressive but is secretly super easy to make!

Essential Ingredients for Quick Bliss Bars

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss. We’ve broken down what you’ll need for both the delightful cookie base and the creamy frosting. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already!

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

For the Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • ¼ cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle, optional)

How to Make 10-Minute Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies: Step-by-Step

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies. It’s quicker than you think!

Preparing the Bars

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Whipping Up the Frosting

  1. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  3. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  4. Garnish with finely chopped dried cranberries and an optional drizzle of melted white chocolate.
  5. Cut into squares and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars

To ensure your Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time, consider these helpful tips. Room temperature ingredients are key for smooth mixing!

  • **Don’t Overbake:** Keep an eye on the bars; overbaking can lead to a dry texture. They should be just lightly golden.
  • **Cool Completely:** Always allow the bars to cool fully before frosting. Warm bars will melt your beautiful cream cheese frosting.
  • **Sift Powdered Sugar:** Sifting your powdered sugar prevents lumps in your frosting, ensuring a silky-smooth finish.
  • **Chop Cranberries:** Finely chopping the cranberries for garnish gives a prettier, more professional look.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

These Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They make fantastic edible gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze frosted or unfrosted bars for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For more storage ideas, Read our in-depth guide here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While dried cranberries provide the signature chewy texture and concentrated tang for these Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies, you could try using fresh cranberries. However, they will release more moisture during baking and may make the bars slightly more tart. If using fresh, consider reducing them slightly with a touch of sugar first.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make these bliss bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure, especially for extracts and chocolate chips.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

For perfectly clean cuts, make sure your Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies are thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or longer) before slicing. Use a sharp, hot knife (run under hot water and wipe dry between cuts). Clean the knife after each cut for the neatest results.

More Quick & Delicious Holiday Treats

Loved these easy **Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies**? There’s a whole world of quick and delicious holiday treats waiting for you! Explore other simple recipes like peppermint bark, no-bake truffles, or quick fudge to expand your festive baking repertoire.

Happy baking, and enjoy every blissful bite!

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