It was one of those whirlwind weeks. My calendar looked like a game of Tetris, with work deadlines stacking up alongside family commitments. Usually, my kitchen is my sanctuary, a place where I unwind and get creative.
But this week, even the thought of individual cookies felt like a marathon. I craved something comforting, something festive, yet utterly simple. That’s when the idea for these incredible Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars first sparked.
I love how a classic sugar cookie can transform into something extraordinary with just a few vibrant additions. The thought of zesty orange dancing with tart cranberries in a soft, chewy bar instantly brightened my mood. No rolling dough, no individual cutout shapes, just pure, unadulterated deliciousness baked in a pan.
From that moment, these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars became my secret weapon for bringing joy to busy days. They capture all the warmth and flavor of a homemade treat without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars for so many reasons. First, they are unbelievably easy to make. Forget the tedious process of chilling, rolling, and cutting individual cookies.
This recipe bakes up in a single pan, which means less effort and less cleanup for you. Furthermore, the flavor profile is simply divine. The bright, zesty notes of fresh orange perfectly complement the tartness of cranberries, all nestled in a buttery, tender sugar cookie base.
It’s a combination that truly awakens the taste buds. These Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars are also incredibly versatile, ideal for a holiday gathering, a casual potluck, or just a cozy afternoon treat. They travel well, slice beautifully, and appeal to just about everyone.
Their vibrant appearance makes them a showstopper, even though they require minimal fuss. These delightful cranberry orange bars will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2 large oranges)
* ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 large orange)
* 1 ½ cups (180g) fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped if large
* For the Glaze (optional):
* 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
* 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
* ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Substitutions & Variations
These Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars offer fantastic flexibility for customization. If you don’t have fresh cranberries, frozen ones work beautifully; simply add them straight from the freezer. You can also use dried cranberries, but consider soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes and draining them to plump them up before adding to the dough.
For a different citrus twist, lemon zest and juice make an excellent substitution for the orange, creating Cranberry Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars that are equally delightful. Feel free to add other mix-ins to the dough. White chocolate chips or chopped pecans would be a delicious addition to these cranberry orange bars, enhancing their texture and flavor.
For an extra touch of spice, a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon in the dough can elevate the aroma and taste. If you prefer a thicker, richer glaze, you can swap a tablespoon of orange juice for a tablespoon of softened cream cheese in the glaze recipe. This creates a wonderful cream cheese frosting for your Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars. These sugar cookie bars are a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.
These Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars offer fantastic flexibility for customization. If you’re looking for another delightful pasta recipe, check out our Butternut Squash Pasta that pairs beautifully with fall flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking these incredible Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars! This straightforward process ensures a perfect result every time.
1. Prepare Your Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
This prevents sticking and makes cutting these cranberry orange bars simple.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set this aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and fresh orange juice. The mixture might look a little curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will come together.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough sugar cookie bars.
6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Spread the Dough: Press the dough evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure an even layer from edge to edge. This creates uniform Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars.
8. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The center should look set.
9. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial before glazing and slicing these beautiful cranberry orange bars.
10. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and optional orange zest in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more orange juice for a thinner one.
11. Glaze and Slice: Once the Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before lifting the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slicing them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars is surprisingly easy with a few expert tricks. First, always use softened butter, not melted, for creaming with the sugar. This creates a light and airy texture in your sugar cookie bars.
If your butter is too cold, microwave it in short 5-second bursts until it’s just pliable. Second, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can result in tough, dense cranberry orange bars instead of soft, chewy ones.
Mix until just combined. Third, for truly vibrant flavor, use fresh orange zest. The zest holds much more essential oil and citrus punch than just the juice alone, making these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars truly sing.
Furthermore, do not overbake your bars! They might still look slightly soft in the center when you pull them from the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly bars.
A little underbaked is better than overbaked for these sugar cookie bars. When pressing the dough into the pan, ensure an even layer; this promotes even baking. For the glaze, adding orange zest to the powdered sugar and juice intensifies the citrus notes beautifully.
Allow the Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars to cool completely before applying the glaze and slicing. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures clean cuts. Use a sharp knife for neat slices.
A warm knife (run under hot water and wiped dry) makes slicing through the glaze and bars even easier. Following these tips ensures your Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars turn out wonderfully every single time.
Achieving perfect Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars is surprisingly easy with a few expert tricks. To further enhance your baking skills, consider trying our Cottage Cheese Blueberry Bake, which offers a unique texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once completely cooled and glazed, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers can prevent sticking if stacking them.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate these cranberry orange bars for up to one week. Simply bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
If you want to prepare these delightful sugar cookie bars in advance, they freeze beautifully. Tightly wrap individual bars or a whole slab (before glazing) in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If you froze them unglazed, you can then whip up a fresh batch of glaze before serving. This makes them perfect for holiday meal prep or unexpected guests.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These vibrant Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of beverages and desserts. For a cozy treat, serve them alongside a warm mug of hot coffee, herbal tea, or a festive chai latte. The slight bitterness of coffee or the warmth of tea beautifully complements the sweet and tart flavors of the cranberry orange bars.
During the holidays, these sugar cookie bars make a fantastic addition to any dessert platter, sitting proudly amongst other festive treats. They are also delightful with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a warm-cold contrast that is simply irresistible. For a refreshing option, a glass of sparkling cider or a homemade citrus punch would cut through the sweetness perfectly. These Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars can also elevate a simple brunch spread, offering a delightful sweet component.
These vibrant Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of beverages and desserts. If you’re interested in more cozy recipes, our Homemade Breakfast Hot Pockets make for a delicious start to your day.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; you can add them directly to the dough from the freezer. Just be aware they might add a tiny bit more moisture to the dough, but it won’t negatively impact the final result of your cranberry orange bars.
How do I prevent my sugar cookie bars from being dry?
The key to moist and tender Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars is to avoid overbaking. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time. Pull them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the center appears set but still slightly soft.
They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat as they cool. Also, using softened butter and not overmixing the flour contributes to a tender crumb.
Can I make the dough for these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare the dough for these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars in advance. Once you’ve mixed the dough, press it into your prepared baking pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges for the zest and juice?
While fresh oranges provide the best flavor for these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars, you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch. However, you’ll miss out on the vibrant intensity of fresh orange zest. In such cases, consider adding a few drops of food-grade orange extract to the dough (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon) to boost the citrus flavor, along with the bottled juice.
Are these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars suitable for a crowd?
Yes, these Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars are absolutely perfect for feeding a crowd! A 9×13-inch pan yields a good number of servings, typically 12-24 bars depending on how large you cut them. They’re easy to transport, slice beautifully, and their vibrant flavor combination is generally loved by all. Making these cranberry orange bars means less fuss and more deliciousness for your gathering.
Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty flavor of oranges, creating a harmonious blend. These treats exemplify the use of seasonal ingredients in baking, and you can learn more about their cultural significance in baking.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Estimated values per serving, based on 16 servings per 9×13-inch pan)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 30 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 4% DV |
Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookie Bars capture the warmth and flavor of a homemade treat with minimal fuss. With vibrant additions of orange zest and tart cranberries, they are a delightful, festive dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
½ teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
2 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
2 tablespoons Fresh Orange Zest
¼ cup Fresh Orange Juice
1 ½ cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, chopped
1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
3–4 tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice (for glaze)
½ teaspoon Orange Zest (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare your oven and pan by preheating to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pa
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined
- Fold in the chopped cranberries
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pa
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs
- Cool completely on a wire rack
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and optional zest
- Once cool, drizzle the glaze over the bars and let it set before slicing
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Frozen cranberries can be used directly from the freezer.
Adjust glaze consistency with more powdered sugar or orange juice.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: unknown
- Trans Fat: unknown
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg