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These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars bring the magic of your favorite holiday coffee shop treat right into your kitchen, buttery blondies packed with white chocolate, tart cranberries, and a creamy orange frosting that melts in every bite.

This recipe has been retested and refined for the perfect copycat texture: chewy edges, melt-in-your-mouth centers, and balanced sweetness in every bite.

Close-up of homemade cranberry bliss bars topped with cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and orange zest drizzled with white chocolate.

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I first shared this recipe back in 2020, and it instantly became one of the most-loved desserts on my site. After dozens of reader remakes and a few bakery-level tweaks, I knew it was time for a serious upgrade, more white chocolate, a richer butter base, and a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture even closer to Starbucks’ original.

I’ve retested everything multiple times to make sure these bars hold their shape, slice beautifully, and taste better than ever. If you’ve made my older version before, this one will absolutely win you over. I can’t wait for you to try them again and see the difference.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

  • True Starbucks flavor recreated with simple pantry ingredients.
  • Soft, chewy blondie base that stays fresh for days.
  • Tangy cream cheese frosting with orange zest to balance the sweetness.
  • Perfect for cookie boxes, dessert platters, or gifting.

Table of Contents

Overhead view of ingredients for cranberry bliss bars including butter, eggs, flour, brown sugar, dried cranberries, white chocolate, orange, spices, cream cheese, and powdered sugar arranged on a counter.
Not shown in the picture is the ginger & orange zest

Ingredients and Why They Work

  • Butter: Creates a rich, dense blondie texture and that classic chewy bite.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth that mimics Starbucks’ signature flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind the bars together and keep them soft.
  • Vanilla + orange extract: Bring warm holiday notes, the orange pairs beautifully with cranberry and white chocolate.
  • All-purpose flour: Gives the bars structure while staying tender.
  • Baking powder + baking soda: Add just enough lift without making them cakey.
  • Ground ginger + cinnamon: Subtle but essential. They balance the sweetness and make the flavor recognizable.
  • White chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness and texture in the base and frosting.
  • Dried cranberries: Their tartness cuts through the frosting and adds pops of color.
  • Cream cheese: Provides the tangy, velvety frosting that defines this dessert.
  • Orange zest: Brings brightness and fresh flavor to the frosting.

How to Make These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Step-By-Step)

Here’s a quick look at how these bars come together. Be sure to check the recipe card below for detailed ingredient amounts and baking times.

  1. Whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest.
  3. Fold in dry ingredients, then cranberries, and white chocolate.
Melted butter and packed brown sugar in a glass mixing bowl before combining.
Eggs added to the melted butter and brown sugar mixture in a glass bowl with a whisk.
Flour and warm spices sitting on top of wet batter in a glass mixing bowl before folding.
  1. Bake until golden around the edges and soft in the center.
  2. Cool completely before frosting.
Blondie batter mixed with dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate in a glass bowl.
Cranberry blondie batter spread evenly in a parchment-lined square baking pan.
Freshly baked cranberry blondie slab cooling in a square parchment-lined pan.
  1. Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until fluffy, then mix in orange zest vanilla, and melted white chocolate.
  2. Frost, sprinkle with cranberries, drizzle with white chocolate, chill, and slice.
Cream cheese and powdered sugar being mixed in a glass bowl to make frosting.
Cream cheese frosting in a bowl with fresh orange zest and vanilla added.
Creamy orange-speckled frosting in a glass bowl on a stone countertop.

If you want to learn more about achieving that chewy blondie texture, this guide from Americas Test Kitchen is super helpful.

Serving Ideas

These bars pair perfectly with a hot latte, chai, or this Merry Mint White Mocha.

For even more cozy Starbucks-inspired recipes, try my Salted Caramel Cold Brew, Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins, and Blueberry Starbucks Scones, they all taste just like your favorite coffee shop treats.

Diagram showing how to slice cranberry bliss bars into triangles using diagonal and cross-cut lines.
Overhead view of frosted cranberry bliss bars cut into triangles and arranged neatly on a wooden board.

How to cut these white chocolate cranberry blondies

The Starbucks cranberry bliss bars have that iconic triangular shape. I made this diagram at the bottom to show you how you can cut your 8×8 inch bliss bars just like the ones from Starbucks.

Start by cutting your blondies by following the red lines. Now slice from corner to corner, following the blue lines. Now cut in the shape of the orange lines to get your perfect triangle-shaped bliss bars

Expert Tips for Best Results

  • Make ahead: The bars taste even better after 24 hours as the flavors develop.
  • Don’t overbake: The bars should look slightly soft in the center, they’ll firm up as they cool.
  • Use ginger: Even a small amount gives the bars that authentic Starbucks flavor.
  • Chill before slicing: It helps the frosting set for clean, professional cuts.
  • For thinner bars: Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake a few minutes less.

Storage and Freezing

  • Serve slightly chilled: It keeps the frosting firm and enhances the flavor.
  • Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze unfrosted bars up to 3 months; thaw, frost, and decorate before serving.
Close-up of a frosted cranberry bliss bar triangle with dried cranberries and orange zest beside a sliced orange.

Frequently Asked Questions About These copycat Starbucks cranberry bliss bars -FAQs

Can I make these without orange extract?

Yes. Substitute with 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1 teaspoon of orange juice for a bright, natural flavor.

Do Cranberry Bliss Bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Because of the cream cheese frosting, keep them covered and refrigerated. They taste best slightly chilled.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

No. Dried cranberries are key here, fresh ones release too much moisture and change the blondie texture.

How do I get the drizzle to look neat like Starbucks?

Melt white chocolate, let it cool slightly, then drizzle with a small piping bag or fork for clean zigzag lines.

These chewy cranberry bliss bars are soft, buttery, and perfectly tangy, a true Starbucks copycat made for cozy winter days. The balance of white chocolate, cranberries, and orange cream cheese frosting makes every bite a little moment of holiday joy.

Close-up of Starbucks cranberry bliss bars showing layers of chewy blondie, white chocolate chunks, and cream cheese frosting topped with dried cranberries and orange zest.
5 from 2 votes

Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Better Copycat)

Soft and chewy cranberry white chocolate blondie bars topped with a luscious crema cheese white chocolate frsoting. The perfect Starbucks treat, right at your home!
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 44 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
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Ingredients 
 

For the Blondie Bars:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 & 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground ginger critical!
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

For Topping:

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries roughly chopped
  • 1 oz white chocolate melted for drizzle
  • Extra orange zest optional

Instructions 

Make the Bars:

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute.
    ½ cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and orange extract and mix until combined.
    2 large eggs room temperature, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp orange zest
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
    1 & 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp ground ginger critical!, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined. Don't overmix. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
    ¾ cup dried cranberries, ¾ cup white chocolate chips
  • Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan. It will be thick, use the back of a spatula to smooth it out.
  • Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The center may look slightly underdone, that's okay, it will set as it cools. Start checking at 22 minutes. When center hits 200-202°F, pull them immediately.
  • Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1 hour).

Make the Frosting:

  • In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
    4 oz cream cheese, 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, and melted white chocolate until well combined and smooth.
    ½ tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp orange zest, 1/4 tsp salt, 3 oz white chocolate
  • Spread frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars.

Finish:

  • Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle with melted white chocolate in a crosshatch or zigzag pattern. Add a sprinkle of fresh orange zest if desired.
    ¼ cup dried cranberries, 1 oz white chocolate, Extra orange zest
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before cutting.
  • Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares (or cut into triangles like Starbucks!).

Notes

Notes
If you loved my original 2020 version, here’s a quick recap! It makes a slightly lighter, classic-style bar with a simpler frosting.
Cream 10 tbsp butter with ½ cup brown sugar, add 1 egg, ½ tsp vanilla, and ½ tbsp orange zest. Mix in 1¼ cups flour, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp ginger, ¼ cup chopped dried cranberries, and ⅔ cup white chocolate chips. Bake in an 8×8 pan at 350°F for 20–22 minutes.
Frost with 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, ¼ tsp vanilla, ½ tbsp orange zest, and ¼ cup melted white chocolate. Top with more cranberries and drizzle with white chocolate. Chill before slicing!

Nutrition

Calories: 310Calories | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Chahinez Tabet Aoul

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

Read More About Me

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. Kristina Shook says:

    My 14yr old daughter made these and took them out just a little early. They are delicious! Perfect recipe!

    Reply
    1. Chahinez says:

      That’s awesome to hear! 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Zoey says:

    I love Starbucks bliss bars so these were right up my alley! Loved it!

    Reply
    1. Chahinez says:

      These are my favorite things from Starbucks too! Thank you so much for trying these Zoey!
      Have a great day,
      Chahinez

      Reply