Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat that’s both festive and irresistibly delicious, look no further than these Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies. Imagine soft, chewy blondies filled with tart dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate, all topped off with a hint of orange zest – it’s basically my dream holiday dessert. These blondies come together in one bowl, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love These Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
• Ingredients
• Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
• Instructions
• Serving Suggestions
• Other Festive Desserts You’ll Love
• Final Thoughts
• Connect with Me!

This recipe is perfect for sharing, whether you’re bringing a batch to a holiday potluck, making them as a special family dessert, or wrapping up a few bars to share as edible gifts. Trust me, as someone who develops recipes for home cooks, these cranberry blondies bring an irresistible, cozy touch to any occasion!

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

These cranberry and white chocolate blondies are an absolute holiday classic for several reasons:

• Easy to Make: You only need a large mixing bowl and a whisk, meaning minimal cleanup!
• Perfectly Chewy: Thanks to the melted butter and brown sugar.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a hint of orange zest make these blondies taste like the holidays.
• Freezer-Friendly: They freeze beautifully, so you can make them in advance.

Ingredients

• Butter: Adds richness to the blondies, and using melted butter makes these bars perfectly chewy.
• Light Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar provides depth and chewiness, while granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: For that warm, classic flavor.
• Eggs: Helps bind the batter, ensuring a soft, fudgy texture.
• Flour: The foundation for any blondie, providing structure.
• Baking Powder: For a slight lift.
• Cozy Spices: A touch of cinnamon just ties everything together.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart, chewy, and a perfect pairing with white chocolate.
• White Chocolate Chips: Creamy, sweet, and a holiday must-have in these blondies.
• Orange Zest: A subtle hint of citrus that complements the cranberries.

Additions, Variations, and Substitutions

Boost the Citrus: Double the orange zest or add a touch of lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Swap Nuts: Use pecans or almonds in place of walnuts for a different nutty flavor, or go nut-free by adding extra dried cranberries.

Use Dark Chocolate: Replace white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate for a richer flavor that balances the cranberries’ sweetness.

Try Fresh Cranberries: Add a handful of fresh cranberries along with the dried ones for added tartness and a juicy texture.

Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for gluten-free blondies that are just as chewy and delicious.

Extra Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for warm, spiced undertones.

Thicker Bars: Use an 8×8-inch pan instead of a sheet pan for thicker blondie bars; just increase the bake time by about 5-10 minutes.

Finish with a Drizzle: Melt extra white chocolate or mix a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar and orange juice) to drizzle over the blondies once cooled for a bakery-style finish.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, whisking until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
4. Add Mix-Ins:
   • Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, walnuts, white chocolate chips, and orange zest, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Spread and Bake:
   • Pour the batter onto the prepared sheet pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Drizzle:
   • Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Slice into squares and enjoy! These blondies make a festive, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for gatherings.

Pro Tip: For an extra burst of citrusy flavor, sprinkle a bit more orange zest over the blondies after drizzling with white chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

These blondies are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:

• A drizzle of caramel or extra white chocolate on top
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A dollop of whipped cream

Other Festive Desserts You’ll Love

• The Best Apple Cake Recipe
• Easy White Chocolate Truffles
• Cinnamon White Chocolate Blondies
• Orange Rosemary and Chocolate Cake
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie with Orange Zest

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies are a holiday must! With a soft, chewy texture, a burst of tart cranberries, and creamy white chocolate, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or just for a cozy night in, these blondies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy, and happy baking!

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