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Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies with Citrus Orange Zest

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These chewy blondies are packed with creamy white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and bright orange zest for a citrusy twist. Quick and easy to make, they deliver bakery-style flavor and a soft, gooey texture—perfect for potlucks, gifting, or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 3/4 cup (110g) dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup (135g) white chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (70g) chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy (about 1 minute).
  4. Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until mixture lightens.
  5. Finely grate orange zest into the wet mixture and whisk to distribute evenly.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
  7. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined.
  8. Fold in dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and nuts (if using) evenly.
  9. Spread batter into prepared pan, smoothing to corners with a spatula.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are golden and center is slightly soft. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
  11. Cool in pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  12. Lift blondies out using parchment sling and slice into 24 squares, wiping knife between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature eggs and cooled melted butter. Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep blondies chewy. Toss mix-ins in a little flour if they tend to sink. Err on the side of underbaking for a gooey center. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Easily adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: blondies, white chocolate, cranberry, orange zest, citrus bars, chewy bars, dessert, easy baking, potluck, holiday treats

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/chewy-white-chocolate-cranberry-blondies-recipe-easy-citrus-orange-bars/