Cranberry Bliss Bars

Hello!

After a long, probably not very needed, break... I am back!
 I have been in London studying for a term. Learned a lot seen a lot. Popped over to Paris and had some delicious pastries that I hope to one day emulate. I could easily write for years about the wonderful experiences I have had in London.
However...

This is first and foremost a baking blog. And that is what it will continue to be!

So again. I am back! To bring you all the most delectable Christmas recipes! 

If you have ever had the Cranberry Bliss Bars from Starbucks, you know that they are easily one of the most amazing, delicious, christmassy treats in the world. With Starbuck's new 'Boulangerie' food section, who knows if we will ever see them again! (I am actually still in London so I do not actually know if they have them... forgive me.)

I have recreated these holiday treats and it is absolutely the simplest recipe ever.

You start with a normal blondie recipe. Add some cinnamon to get that yuletide flavor moving. Throw in loads of cranberries and white chocolate chips. Bake them to perfection. Normally blondies are slightly underbaked, but for these you want to cook them about 5 minutes longer than normal.

Once they've cooled you add a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle some more cranberries. Then drizzle the lot with warmed white chocolate.

Are you drooling?

I am.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Yields about 24 bars

Blondie Layer:

• 3/4 cup Salted Butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 Large Eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 1/4 cup Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
• 1 cup White Chocolate Chips

Frosting Layer

• 4 oz. Cream Cheese
• 1/2 cup Salted Butter
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
• 1 cup White Chocolate Chips, melted

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13" metal pan and line with parchment paper.

Beat the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat on medium speed until incorporated.

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add to the butter mixture, mixing at a low speed. With a spatula fold in white chocolate and cranberries. 

Pour  mixture into pan and spread evenly. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Bars should be golden brown and a toothpick will come out clean when inserted. Let cool completely while you make the frosting!

Blend cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Spread over cooled bars. Sprinkle cranberries over the top evenly. Then drizzle the white chocolate on top.

Happy Holidays!