Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars: A Starbucks Copycat Recipe
As the leaves begin to dance down from the trees and the smell of cinnamon and cloves fills the air, there’s something incredibly comforting about indulging in a sweet treat that embodies the spirit of the season. These Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars are just that—a delightful blend of creamy, dreamy, and tender flavors that transport you right to a warm café on a chilly afternoon.
Growing up, we would often visit our local café during the Holidays, and one of my favorite memories was biting into those luscious bars—sweet and tart cranberries hugging creamy frosting, all drizzled with silky white chocolate. You cannot help but feel nostalgic as these lovely treats brighten up your day and warm your heart. You’ll discover that this easy holiday dessert is perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or just simple family time.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, plus chilling time for a delightful, decadent dessert!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Share these bars at your next potluck or family gathering, and watch as they disappear in a flash!
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of the cranberries against the sweetness of the white chocolate creates a perfectly balanced treat.
- Creamy and Indulgent: The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a rich creaminess that makes these bars utterly irresistible.
- Beautiful Presentation: With their vibrant red cranberries and drizzled white chocolate, these bars are visually stunning, perfect for your holiday baking display!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
- 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1⅓ cups white chocolate chips
- 1⅔ cups white chocolate (melted)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- ½ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
- ⅔ cup white chocolate (melted)
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and the finely grated orange zest until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 24-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted white chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and the grated orange zest until smooth.
- Frost the cooled blondie layer generously, sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries, and drizzle melted white chocolate on top.
- Chill the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing into generous squares.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Burst: Replace half of the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a rich and robust flavor contrast.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts—like walnuts or pecans—for a crunchy texture that complements the soft bars.
- Spiced bliss: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for that extra hint of holiday warmth.
- Different Fruit: Swapping cranberries for blueberries or cherries can create a delightful twist on the classic flavor profile.
My Best Kitchen Secrets
- Make Ahead: Bake the bars a day in advance for flavors that deepen overnight. Just frost when you’re ready to serve!
- Easier Slicing: To slice the bars evenly, use a sharp knife and clean between cuts for a neater presentation.
- Storage Magic: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge; they last up to a week (if they last that long!).
- Freezing: You can also freeze these bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and they should keep well for up to 3 months for a sweet treat that’s always on hand!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the bars a day in advance for optimal flavor.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dried fruits or nuts as you like.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- How long does it last? Properly stored, they can last about a week in the fridge, or up to three months in the freezer.
A Cozy Closing Note
These Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars are not just a dessert; they evoke the warmth of the holiday season and remind us to cherish sweet moments spent with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them at home with your family or bring them along to share with friends, these bars have the power to make every gathering a little brighter. Save this Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) to your Holiday Treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon table salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 0.75 cups dried cranberries
- 1.33 cups white chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1.5 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 0.5 cups dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
- 0.67 cups white chocolate (melted)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and finely grated orange zest until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 24-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting and Finishing
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted white chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and grated orange zest until smooth.
- Frost the cooled blondie layer generously, sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries, and drizzle melted white chocolate on top.
- Chill the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing into generous squares.
