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–+ servings
David Murphy

Cranberry Bliss Bars — Starbucks Copycat

A copycat version of the iconic Starbucks seasonal treat — chewy brown sugar blondies packed with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with cream cheese frosting, more cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 Bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 368

Ingredients
  

BARS:
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
  • 4 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
TOPPING:
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then line a 8x11 pan with foil and grease the foil. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine the flour mixture to the brown sugar mixture. Mix these ingredients together until well combined. Add in the 1⁄2 cup of dried cranberries and the 1⁄2 cup of white chocolate chips.
  3. Place the mixture into the prepared pan and spread an even layer.
  4. Bake for 18-22 minutes. The top of the bars should be lightly brown. A toothpick in the center of the bars should come out clean. Allow bars to completely cool on a wire rack before frosting.
  5. Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, and vanilla and continue to beat until smooth.
  6. Spread the frosting on the bars, then sprinkle the dried cranberries on top. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cranberries.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 368kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 211mgFiber: 1gSugar: 41g

Notes

Serving Suggestions

  • On a holiday cookie and bar platter. Arrange cut triangles alongside other holiday treats for a stunning, colorful spread. The red cranberries and white drizzle look beautiful against a variety of other cookies and bars and always draw the most attention at a party table.
  • Boxed as edible gifts. Cut into neat triangles, layered in a bakery box between parchment, and tied with a festive ribbon. These are one of the most impressive homemade edible gifts you can give during the holiday season.
  • Alongside coffee or hot cocoa. The pairing that started it all at Starbucks. A warm mug of coffee or a mug alongside my Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies and a plate of these bars is the definition of a perfect holiday moment.
  • At room temperature after a short fridge rest. Pull them from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving. Cold enough to hold their triangle shape, warm enough to be properly soft and chewy in the center. That is the sweet spot.

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