White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars

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White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars

White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars are the perfect indulgent treat that combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful balance that dances on your palate. This recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a moment of joy, a sweet escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. With their buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these bars will transport you to a cozy café with every bite, making them a great choice for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home. Plus, this step-by-step guide ensures that even novice bakers can whip up these delicious bars effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars a must-try? For starters, the prep is incredibly straightforward and fast, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the end result than in the kitchen. The minimal ingredients needed make it a family-friendly recipe, perfect for impromptu baking sessions with kids or friends. You’ll find that these bars fit seamlessly into both casual and elegant occasions—be it a holiday party or a simple family dessert night. With a delightful blend of flavors and textures, this treat is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients for White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars

The ingredients for White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars are simple yet tantalizing, creating a luscious treat you won’t forget:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for that rich, creamy base)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (adds depth and moisture)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted (the foundation of your shortbread)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (creamy bursts of sweetness)
• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large (tangy and chewy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for warmth and comforting aroma)
• 1/2 tsp salt (to balance the flavors)

Step-by-Step Directions for White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bars cook evenly and come out perfectly baked.

2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This step is key to achieving a flawless finish when it’s time to cut your bars.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to incorporate as much air as possible for a light texture.

4. Gradually mix in the sifted flour and salt until combined, resembling coarse crumbs. Make sure not to overmix, or your bars may become dense!

5. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Press down lightly to ensure it holds together while baking.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible sweet aroma during this time!

8. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars. This cooling step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is soft and at room temperature for the best creaming results. It helps create a light and fluffy texture.
• Sift Your Flour: Sifting the flour not only removes any lumps but also aerates it, leading to a lighter shortbread.
• Chop Cranberries: If your dried cranberries are large, chopping them will help distribute the flavor better throughout the bars.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them; once the edges are golden brown, they’re perfectly done!
• Optional Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts for an added crunch or substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Present your White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars elegantly by dusting them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling melted white chocolate on top for a decadent finish. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make an excellent dessert alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a holiday twist, serve them with a side of cranberry sauce.

Nutritional Information

Each White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bar provides approximately 200 calories, with a nutritional breakdown as follows:

• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 2g

These bars are certainly an indulgence and should be enjoyed in moderation, but the comforting flavors make them worth the occasional treat!

Storing Tips & Variations for White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for prolonged freshness. For an even longer shelf life, you can freeze the bars; just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. If you’re looking for healthier swaps, consider using coconut oil instead of butter and coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar. For variations, you might experiment with different dried fruits, like cherries or apricots, or try adding zests of lemon or orange for a citrus kick.

Conclusion for White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars

White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars are a deliciously simple treat that will capture your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. With their creamy white chocolate and tart cranberry bites, they are perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate; grab your ingredients and try this easy-to-follow recipe—your loved ones will thank you!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate to suit your taste preferences.

2. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden brown color around the edges; the center may still look slightly soft. It will firm up as it cools.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious bars that everyone can enjoy.

4. What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and make clean, straight cuts. For even slices, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.

5. How long can I freeze these bars for?
They can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Indulgent shortbread bars that balance sweet white chocolate with tart cranberries.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually mix in the sifted flour and salt until combined.
5. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press down lightly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden brown.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

Notes

Ensure butter is at room temperature and do not overbake for the best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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