Name: Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed 3 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 3/4 cup white chocolate chips 2/3 cup dried cranberries 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon orange zest 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted

If you’ve ever been tempted by the festive treats behind the Starbucks glass during the holidays, you already know the magic of the Cranberry Bliss Bar. But what if you could have that same soft, buttery bar topped with creamy white chocolate frosting and dotted with tart cranberries any time of year? This homemade version delivers everything you love about the original, but better—because it comes straight from your kitchen, warm and cozy.

These bars are a dreamy balance of sweet and tangy. The base is a chewy blondie-style cookie packed with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, spiced just enough to make it feel like a warm hug. On top, a velvety cream cheese frosting is laced with orange zest and sprinkled with more cranberries and a drizzle of white chocolate. The result? A perfect bite every time.

What Kind of White Chocolate Should I Use?

For the best melt and flavor, use high-quality white chocolate chips or bars. The chips are great for mixing into the blondie base, while a chopped bar melts smoothly for the drizzle on top. Avoid white baking chips that don’t contain real cocoa butter—they won’t give you that rich, creamy texture.

Ingredients for the Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

Brown Sugar: This gives the bars their signature moist, chewy texture and a hint of caramel flavor.

Butter: Use unsalted, melted butter to create a rich, soft blondie base.

Eggs: Vital for structure and moisture in the base.

Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the sweetness.

Ground Ginger: Just a touch adds warmth and depth, giving that nostalgic holiday feel.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure to keep the bars soft but sturdy enough to hold the frosting.

Baking Powder: Lends a little lift without making the bars cakey.

Salt: Balances all the sweet elements.

White Chocolate Chips: Stirred into the batter for creamy sweetness throughout.

Dried Cranberries: Tart bursts of flavor that balance the richness.

Cream Cheese: For the dreamy frosting that makes this bar shine.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without adding grit.

Orange Zest: Brightens the entire bar and complements the cranberries beautifully.

White Chocolate (for drizzle): Melted and drizzled for that picture-perfect finish.

How To Make the Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Stir in the Mix-Ins

Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. The batter will be thick and loaded with goodies—just how we want it.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 20–24 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and orange zest. Mix until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled bars.

Step 6: Add the Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting, then drizzle melted white chocolate across the top in a zigzag pattern. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing into triangles or squares.

How to Serve and Store These Bars

These bars are stunning on a dessert tray and equally perfect wrapped up as edible gifts. For the classic coffee shop vibe, slice them into triangles, but squares work just as well for bite-sized sharing.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled. You can also freeze them, layered between parchment paper, for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cream cheese works best?

Use full-fat block-style cream cheese for the creamiest frosting. Avoid whipped or tub varieties as they can be too soft.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries are best for texture and concentrated flavor. Fresh ones add too much moisture and tartness.

Do I have to add orange zest?

No, but it adds a beautiful brightness. You can substitute with a bit of lemon zest or leave it out altogether.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

Chill the bars first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For triangles, cut the bars into squares, then slice each square diagonally.

What’s the best way to drizzle white chocolate?

Use a fork or a piping bag with a small tip. If your chocolate is too thick, stir in a tiny bit of coconut oil or shortening to thin it.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these bliss bars hit the sweet spot, you might fall for a few more treats packed with flavor and fun:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth delights.
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups bring creamy tang and fruity punch in a bite-sized form.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies swirl everything you love into a chewy, gooey bite.
Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby is a light, puffy skillet pancake that works for breakfast or dessert.
Winter Brittle makes a snappy, nutty snack that’s perfect for holiday gifting.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use orange zest or try lemon instead? Go heavy on the white chocolate drizzle or keep it minimal?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter!

Looking for more everyday desserts with personality? Come hang out on my Pinterest – Life with Jam where I post daily recipe inspiration!