Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate nestled in a warm, buttery blondie. These Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies are the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and tangy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or simply to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these blondies are sure to become a new favorite. The rich, buttery base combined with bursts of dried cranberries and pockets of melted white chocolate chips creates a texture and flavor profile that’s simply unforgettable.

Why It Deserves a Spot

Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies deserve a spot in your baking repertoire for several reasons. First, they offer a fresh twist on traditional blondies by incorporating dried cranberries, which add a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness. Second, the white chocolate chips melt into gooey, luscious pockets that complement the chewy texture perfectly. These blondies are also incredibly versatile — they can be dressed up for festive occasions or enjoyed as a simple, satisfying snack. Plus, they’re straightforward to make, requiring basic pantry staples and minimal fuss, which means you don’t need to be a baking expert to create something truly special.

If you love the idea of cranberry and chocolate combos, you might also enjoy the tangy zest of Cranberry Orange Bread, which pairs beautifully with these blondies for an indulgent breakfast or brunch spread.

What’s in the Bowl

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – This creates a rich, moist base and helps achieve that tender crumb.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Adds deep caramel notes and moisture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness and adds structure.
• 2 large eggs – Bind everything together and provide lift.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for structure and texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the blondies rise just enough to be light but still chewy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup dried cranberries – Adds tart bursts that contrast beautifully with the sweet base.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips – Melts into creamy pockets throughout the blondies.

Recommended Tools

• 9×9-inch baking pan: Ideal for evenly baked blondies with the perfect thickness.
• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.
• Whisk or electric mixer: To blend sugars, butter, and eggs smoothly.
• Rubber spatula: For folding in cranberries and white chocolate without overmixing.
• Cooling rack: Allows the blondies to cool evenly and avoid sogginess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures ingredient accuracy for perfect results.

Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and prevents lumps.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix — just combine until no dry flour streaks remain.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter. These add texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of your choice that includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to 1/4 cup and increase brown sugar slightly to maintain moisture.
• Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free, making it perfect for those with allergies.
• Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and choose dairy-free white chocolate chips.

What Not to Do

• Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added; this can lead to tough, dense blondies instead of chewy and tender ones.
• Avoid baking at a higher temperature to rush the process — blondies need gentle, even heat to cook through without burning the edges.
• Don’t skip the cooling step. Cutting into warm blondies will cause them to crumble and lose their structure.
• Refrain from substituting dried cranberries with fresh ones; fresh cranberries contain more moisture and will affect the texture negatively.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy them warm and melty, reheat individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you want to freeze them, wrap each blondie square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries have a lot more moisture and will alter the texture of the blondies, making them soggy. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for the perfect chewy consistency and burst of tartness.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Ensure the blondies are completely cooled before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to prevent sticking and crumb buildup.

Can I substitute white chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! While white chocolate pairs beautifully with cranberries, you can swap in milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the sweetness level may vary.

How can I make these blondies more festive?

Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking to create a sparkling crust. You might also enjoy serving them alongside other holiday treats such as Puff Pastry Baked Brie With Spicy Cranberries for a party spread.

Weekend Projects

• Puff Pastry Baked Brie With Spicy Cranberries – An elegant appetizer that complements the tangy notes of cranberries in your blondies.
• Cranberry Orange Bread – A zesty bread perfect for breakfast or brunch alongside your sweet treats.
• Homemade white chocolate chips – Try crafting your own from quality white chocolate blocks for a personalized touch.
• Infused vanilla extract – Experiment with making your own vanilla extract to elevate all your baking recipes.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve mastered these delightful Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies, why not experiment with adding your own twist? Try incorporating toasted coconut flakes for added texture or swap cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries for a different fruity note. You can also use this basic blondie recipe as a base for other mix-ins like toffee bits, nuts, or even a swirl of caramel or peanut butter.

Baking is all about creativity and fun, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. And if you’re looking to expand your baking skills, exploring other recipes with similar flavor profiles, like Cranberry Orange Bread, can offer delicious inspiration. Remember, the joy is in the process as much as the result.

With these Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies in your baking arsenal, you’re set to delight friends and family with a treat that’s as beautiful as it is scrumptious. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the magic begin!

Share on Pinterest