copycat Cranberry bliss bars

These Cranberry Bliss Copycat bars are absolutely perfect for the holidays; red and white- what more could you ask for in a holiday treat?  They are so delectable they are already on the list for Canada Day (and if you’re in the states, add some dried blueberries for July 4th)!  They are super easy to make and they taste exactly like the original seasonal favorite from Starbucks.  Seriously though, these bars are legit too easy to make, it should be illegal.  I made these last weekend for a family Holiday party and they were such a hit- there weren’t any left by the end of the night!
 
 
Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup salted butter 
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup dried cranberries 
• 1 brick of cream cheese
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 Tablespoon grated orange zest 
• 1 cup powdered sugar

 
 
Base:
 
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with greased tinfoil or parchment paper.
 
Step 2: In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
 
Step 3: In another bowl, add brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs.  Whisk until saturated and mixed.  
 
Step 4:  Add dry ingredients bowl to brown sugar mixture, and beat together until mixed.  
 
Step 5: Fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.  
 
Step 6: Spread batter onto baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.  Test with a toothpick but you want them to be soft as they will bake a little more while they cool off. 
 
Allow pan to cool thoroughly before adding icing, I let it cool for a couple hours.
 
Frosting:
 
With a hand blender or stand mixer, blend together icing sugar, cream cheese, and orange zest.  To get the right consistency you can either thin it with milk or add more sugar.  
 
Chocolate Drizzle:
 
Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning.  After icing is spread on bars, drizzle atop bars and then add more dried cranberries.  
 
I always place them in the fridge to set after this, and they are much easier to slice when they’re chilled too.  Remember to tag me on Instagram if you make them!