Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Bars
When the holiday season rolls around, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home, filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies and sweets. Among the vast array of desserts, one stands out for its perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors: Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Bars. These bars are the ultimate festive treat, combining chewy dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a buttery cookie base. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing holiday gifts, or simply craving a delightful snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Before You Get Started Chocolate Cookie Bars
Before diving into the recipe, preparation is key. Here are a few tips to ensure your Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time:
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to use precise measurements for all ingredients.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips and fresh dried cranberries for the best flavor.
Prep Your Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out once they’re baked.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the butter and eggs to come to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter
What I Love About This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This recipe is straightforward and takes less than an hour from start to finish.
- Festive and Versatile: The combination of cranberries and white chocolate makes these bars perfect for the holiday season, but they’re just as delightful year-round.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes (see variations below).
- Crowd-Pleasing: These cookie bars are always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with these variations to add a unique twist to your Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Bars:
- Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Include a teaspoon of grated orange zest to complement the cranberries with a refreshing citrus note.
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute the white chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, spicy undertones.
- Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- 1- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.2- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.3- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.4- Incorporate the Mix-Ins :Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.5- Spread the Dough: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.6- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.7- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Serving Tip: Serve these bars slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
