Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.

2. Step 2

   In a large mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat together room temperature butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about five delightful minutes.

3. Step 3

   Next, add in the eggs, along with the fragrant orange extract and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined.

4. Step 4

   Now, it’s time to gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground ginger, stirring until your batter is smooth and has the consistency of soft cookie dough.

5. Step 5

   Gently fold in the sweetened dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter for that perfect burst of flavor in every bite.

6. Step 6

   Spread this thick, luscious batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, and pop it into the preheated oven.

7. Step 7

   Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, keeping an eye out for those lovely light brown edges.

8. Step 8

   To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

9. Step 9

   Remember, we want to avoid overbaking to keep those bars nice and moist.

10. Step 10

    Once they’re done, let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes, allowing the sweet aroma to fill your kitchen.

11. Step 11

    While the bars cool, let’s whip up a creamy frosting! In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and butter, beating them together until light and fluffy.

12. Step 12

    Gradually add in confectioners' sugar and a splash of orange extract, mixing until your frosting is fluffy and spreadable—this is where the magic happens! Once the bars have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

13. Step 13

    For a delightful finishing touch, take a food processor and pulse together some cranberries and orange zest until they’re roughly chopped.

14. Step 14

    Sprinkle this vibrant mixture evenly over the frosted bars for a burst of color and flavor.

15. Step 15

    Now, let’s melt some white chocolate! In a microwave-safe measuring cup, combine white chocolate chips with a tiny bit of oil.

16. Step 16

    Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth enough to drizzle.

17. Step 17

    Using a fork or whisk, create a beautiful diagonal drizzle of melted white chocolate across the frosted bars.

18. Step 18

    Finally, let the chocolate set for at least an hour before cutting the bars into squares or triangles.

19. Step 19

    Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!.