Go Back
Print Recipe

Blondies

These blondies are a delicious treat, combining white chocolate, cranberries, and a hint of orange zest in a chewy, flavorful dessert bar.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baking, Blondies, Dessert Bars
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

For the blondies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks / 227 g
  • 2/3 cup white chocolate chips For the batter
  • 1 3/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest For the batter
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and divided

For the cream cheese frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest For the frosting
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped For topping

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  • In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and white chocolate chips. Melt together in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes total). Let cool slightly.
  • Add the packed light brown sugar and stir until well combined.
  • Add the eggs and yolk one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and orange zest.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Fold in the dried cranberries.
  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Baking

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Let cool completely in the pan.

Frosting

  • Melt the remaining white chocolate chips in the microwave until smooth, set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Slowly incorporate half of the melted white chocolate and the orange zest.
  • Spread the cream cheese frosting on the cooled blondies, sprinkle with dried cranberries, and drizzle with the remaining melted white chocolate.

Notes

Chill your ingredients for a smoother batter. Customize mix-ins by swapping cranberries for dried cherries or nuts. Avoid overbaking for best texture.