Cranberry Orange Blondies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion! These delicious bars combine the tartness of cranberries with the vibrant flavor of fresh oranges, creating a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. With a soft and chewy texture, these blondies are incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal choice for busy moments when you want to whip up something special quickly!
Table of Contents
- Cranberry Orange Blondies Recipe
- Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Blondies
- How to Make Cranberry Orange Blondies
- Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Blondies
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Cranberry Orange Blondies
- Reheating Cranberry Orange Blondies
- Serving Suggestions
- Try these cranberry orange blondies related recipes next!
- Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
- Raspberry Almond Bars
- Lemon Blueberry Blondies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Cranberry Orange Blondies Recipe
- Quick and Simple: These blondies come together in no time—perfect for unexpected guests or a last-minute treat!
- Unique Flavor Combination: The fresh zest of orange paired with tart cranberries creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
- Versatile Dessert: These blondies are great for any occasion—serve them as a sweet snack, a delightful dessert, or a festive addition to any gathering!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Blondies
- Unsalted Butter: The base for the blondies, providing richness and moisture to the bars.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Gives an extra hint of caramel flavor and contributes to the moistness of the blondies.
- Eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and provide structure to the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a hint of warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the base of the blondies.
- Baking Powder: Provides lift to make the blondies light and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried; they add a tart burst of flavor throughout the blondies.
- Orange Zest: Provides a vibrant flavor and aroma that brightens the dessert.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Blondies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the melted butter into the sugar mixture and stir until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the blondies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Blondies
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary; start checking for doneness at 25 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and organic oranges yield the best flavor—don’t skimp on quality!
- Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner cuts, think about chilling the blondies for a bit in the refrigerator before slicing.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the batter as instructed and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, just bake as directed.
- You can also bake the blondies in advance, cool them, and store them in an airtight container until serving.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cranberry orange blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Cranberry Orange Blondies
- Cool the bars completely before freezing to maintain their texture.
- Wrap individual blondie squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cranberry Orange Blondies
- To reheat, place blondies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
- Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
