Cranberry Bliss Bars

Start the holiday season of baking with my version of Starbucks seasonal favorite Cranberry Bliss Bars. First I had to purchase one from Starbucks to see if I was on track. And I was.

Note there are several copycat recipes online for you to browse.   

Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients:
For bar cookies

• 1-3/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks) room temperature
• 1-1/4 cups dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1-1/4 cups dried cranberries, divided
• 1-1/4 cups white chocolate morsels, divided
• 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, diced (found in the produce section)

For Frosting

• 2-1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 oz. softened cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon orange juice

Bar Cookie Directions:

•  Plump up cranberries covered with hot water. Add in a dash of almond flavoring. Let sit for 5 minutes and then drain. 
• Whisk together flour, ginger, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Cream butter and brown sugar. Add in eggs, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix well. Stir in 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup white chocolate chips, and diced ginger, mix just until combined.
• Line a 13 x 9 with parchment paper or tinfoil. Grease well.
• Spread batter evenly in pan. Sprinkle with remaining cranberries and white chocolate.
• Bake 18- 20 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Directions:

• Beat all ingredients until smooth.

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

Next time going out for a coffee run use the opportunity for PAY IT FOWARD