# Components:
→ Blondie Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
02 - 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
03 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 3/4 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
10 - 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
11 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
→ Topping
16 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
17 - 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang for easier removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and packed light brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully incorporated.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually integrate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
04 - Gently fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
05 - Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the surface is set and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Cool completely.
06 - Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest; beat until frosting is light and fluffy.
07 - Once the blondie base is completely cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
08 - Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting.
09 - Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the bars.
10 - Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to set. Lift out using the parchment overhang. Cut bars into triangles or squares before serving.
