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The Best Easy Cranberry Bliss Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle

Cranberry Bliss Bars - featured image
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These easy cranberry bliss bars feature a buttery shortbread base, a creamy tangy cream cheese layer, chewy dried cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. They come together in under 45 minutes and are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and last-minute dessert emergencies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature (full-fat)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (85g) white chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup (57g) white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.
  2. Make the shortbread base: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter and 1/4 cup sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add flour and salt, mix on low until a soft dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are just golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, beat until just combined. Gently fold in dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.
  4. Pour cream cheese mixture over warm shortbread base and spread evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool to room temperature on a rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
  5. Make the white chocolate drizzle: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/3 cup white chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (about 40-60 seconds total).
  6. Drizzle melted white chocolate over chilled bars using a fork or piping bag. Let set at room temperature for 20 minutes, or refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  7. Lift bars out using parchment handles. Slice into 16 squares (4×4 grid) using a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial—take butter, cream cheese, and egg out 30-45 minutes before starting. Don’t overmix the cream cheese layer to avoid cracking. For clean slices, chill bars thoroughly and wipe knife between cuts. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, white chocolate, cream cheese bars, holiday dessert, easy dessert, cookie exchange, shortbread bars

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/the-best-easy-cranberry-bliss-bars-with-white-chocolate-drizzle/