Introduction

White chocolate cranberry blondie bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries. These bars are perfectly chewy, and they make a wonderful treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. The contrast of flavors makes each bite a delicious experience, and their simple preparation will have you whipping up a batch in no time.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, unsalted)
Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
Eggs: 2 large
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour: 1 cup
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
White chocolate chips: 1 cup
Dried cranberries: 1 cup

Prep Time

The prep time for making these scrumptious blondie bars is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and mixing everything together.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is about 25-30 minutes. Thus, the total time from start to finish will be roughly 40-45 minutes. This recipe yields around 16 blondie bars, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Sugar and Butter

Add 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar to the melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in 2 large eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Fold in Add-ins

Gently fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips and ½ cup of dried cranberries into the batter.

Step 8: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 9: Bake the Blondies

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Cut

Remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Notes

Note 1: Storage

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Note 2: Variations

Feel free to substitute cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or add nuts for extra texture.

Note 3: Serving Suggestion

These blondies pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Cook techniques

Mixing Dry Ingredients

When making blondie bars, it’s essential to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures. Use a whisk to combine flour, baking powder, and salt before adding to the wet mixture.

Melting Chocolate

For a smooth blondie batter, melt the white chocolate gently. Use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Combining Wet Ingredients

Beat the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This technique incorporates air into the batter, helping to create a tender crumb in the blondies.

Incorporating Add-ins

Gently fold in cranberries after mixing the batter to maintain their shape and prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Baking Evenly

Ensure your oven is preheated and use a lined baking pan. This will help the blondies bake evenly and prevent sticking.

Testing for Doneness

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the blondies are perfectly baked.

FAQ

Can I use other types of chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate according to your preference.

How do I store leftover blondie bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I freeze blondie bars?

Absolutely! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can I substitute for cranberries?

You can use other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries, or even add nuts or chocolate chips for variation.

Are blondies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free blondies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

The white chocolate cranberry blondie bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness with a hint of tartness. Their moist texture and rich flavor make them an excellent choice for any occasion, whether as a dessert after dinner or a special snack during the day. With their vibrant colors and enticing aroma, these blondies are sure to impress friends and family alike.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Swap the white chocolate for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a classic chocolate chip blondie that everyone loves.

Pistachio and Cranberry Bars

Incorporate chopped pistachios for a nutty flavor and crunch that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.

Maple Pecan Blondies

Add maple syrup and chopped pecans for a rich, autumnal twist that elevates the basic blondie flavor.

Funfetti Blondies

Stir in colorful sprinkles to make festive funfetti blondies, perfect for birthdays and celebrations.

Peanut Butter Swirled Blondies

Incorporate creamy peanut butter into the batter and swirl it on top before baking for a delicious combo of flavors.

Banana Walnut Blondies

Mash ripe bananas into the batter and fold in walnuts for a fruity and nutty variation that’s perfect with a cup of coffee.