Indulge your sweet tooth with these delectable Easy Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Bars that are sure to become your new favorite treat! With a perfect balance of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate, these bars are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this simple yet scrumptious recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into the world of baking these irresistible cookie bars that are as easy to make as they are delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cookie bars out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars. This helps create a light and fluffy texture in your cookie bars.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars rather than the chewy texture you want.
- Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality white chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and add a rich sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner, more attractive squares.
- Storage Tip: Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
