Cranberry Orange Blondies

Cranberry Orange Blondies are a festive twist on the classic blondie bar, combining the bright, citrusy zest of orange with tart pops of cranberry in a rich, buttery base. These chewy, golden bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet treat that’s just a little different. With their vibrant flavor and soft texture, they’re sure to be a standout on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy, buttery texture with bursts of cranberry flavor
• Fresh orange zest adds brightness and a citrusy twist
• One-bowl recipe—super easy cleanup
• Great for holiday baking or gifting
• Balanced sweetness with a hint of tang
• Simple ingredients you probably already have
• Crowd-pleasing flavor combination
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
• Great for both casual snacking and special occasions
• Versatile and easy to customize with add-ins

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest
• Dried cranberries (or fresh/frozen cranberries)
• Optional: white chocolate chips or chopped nuts

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Stir in the orange zest for a bright citrus flavor.
6. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
7. Fold in the cranberries and any optional add-ins like white chocolate or nuts.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 16 blondies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

Variations

• White Chocolate Cranberry: Add white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.
• Nutty Blondies: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy element.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Frosted Version: Top with orange glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
• Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or ginger for a warm holiday flavor.
• Citrus Mix: Add lemon zest for a citrus medley.

storage/reheating

Store cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Let frozen blondies thaw at room temperature. To reheat, microwave individual pieces for 10–15 seconds for a soft, warm treat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, you can. Fresh cranberries will add a more tart flavor and additional moisture—consider chopping them and lightly tossing in flour to prevent sinking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan, increasing the bake time slightly.

What kind of orange works best?

Navel or Cara Cara oranges are great for zest and juice, but any fresh, juicy orange will do.

Can I add orange juice to the batter?

Yes, but use it sparingly—too much liquid may affect the texture. 1–2 tablespoons is usually safe.

Are these bars very sweet?

They’re moderately sweet. The cranberries and orange zest help balance the richness of the blondie base.

Do I need to refrigerate these?

No, they can be stored at room temperature unless you’ve frosted them with a cream cheese-based icing.

How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter.

Can I use orange extract instead of zest?

Yes, but use it sparingly—start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Are these good for holiday cookie trays?

Absolutely! Their festive flavor and easy slicing make them perfect for sharing or gifting.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, just use a dairy-free butter alternative and make sure your add-ins (like chocolate) are also dairy-free.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Blondies are the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and citrusy—bringing brightness and buttery richness to your dessert lineup. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just looking for something cozy and different, these blondies are an easy win. Simple to make, beautiful to serve, and unforgettable in flavor—they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Print