Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars

Chewy, delicious Cranberry Orange Cookie bars are filled with tangy cranberries and topped with a creamy orange frosting! These make a delicious addition to any holiday celebration or weeknight treat.

The cozy combination of cranberries and oranges are at their best in these Cranberry Orange Muffins. You’ll love this Frozen Cranberry Orange Salad too!

Cranberry orange cookie bars cut into squares and topped with frosting.


Why this Recipe Works

I’ve been a fan of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars for years. Today’s cranberry bar recipe is just as delicious but with a zesty orange twist!

  • The combination of dried red cranberries and white chocolate chips makes these bars look so pretty on a serving platter.
  • The chewy cookie layer is packed with brown sugar sweetness and a hint of cranberry tartness.
  • A smooth orange frosting adds an irresistible finish on top!

Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars are amazing around the winter holidays, but you can make them any time of year! They never go out of season.

We serve up some cranberry orange smoothies all winter long!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed for cranberry orange cookie bars.

Orange Zest and Juice. You will use both the zest and juice from an orange in this cookie bar recipe. Zest the orange before juicing to release the most juice. Not familiar with how to do this? Check out our guide on how to zest a lemon for best tips and tricks.

Melted butter. We prefer unsalted butter in our recipes. Salted butters can vary in saltiness from brand to brand so it’s more difficult to control the taste of the finished dessert. If using salted butter, skip the kosher salt in the recipe.

Sugars. A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar in the cookie bars adds the perfect amount of chewiness.

Easy Instructions

Step by step photos showing how to make cookies bars with cranberries.

Make the cookie layer.

Beat melted butter with white and brown sugars. Add eggs and vanilla extract, then dry ingredients and orange zest.

Fold in white chocolate morsels and dried cranberries. Press the batter into a prepared baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes.

For the frosting recipe.

Beat butter with orange juice and powdered sugar until smooth and combined. When the cookie bars are fully cooled, spread the orange frosting evenly on top.

Slice into squares before serving.

Tips and Tricks

  • Transfer leftover cookie bars to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Grease your baking dish lightly or spray with baking spray before adding the cookie batter.
  • Use store bought orange juice instead of squeezing your own, if preferred.
  • Try our cream cheese frosting with zested oranges for a tangy twist. Or pair these bars with sour cream frosting!
  • Love cranberry orange? Try our easy cranberry orange fudge next! Or whip up a few loaves of cranberry orange bread.
Frosting being spread on cranberry cookie bars.

Recipe FAQs

How do you zest an orange?

I use a microplane grater or zesting tool to zest my orange. Hold the orange over a bowl and run the grater over the skin to remove the zest. Make sure to use only the orange colored part of the skin, not the bitter white rind.

I only have salted butter. Can I still make these cookie bars?

Yes, you can still enjoy these Cranberry Orange Bars! If using salted butter, do not add kosher salt to the cookie batter.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, you can keep these in the freezer (frosted or unfrosted) for 2 to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

More Easy Bars and Cookies

Easy Brownies and Bars

See all Brownies and Bars recipes

Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars

4.67 from 15 votes
By: Aimee
Chewy, delicious Cranberry Orange Cookie bars are filled with tangy cranberries and topped with a creamy orange frosting! These make a delicious addition to any holiday celebration or weeknight treat.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 48 servings

Ingredients 

For the cookie bars:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 package white chocolate chips 11 ounce
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 orange zested (about 1 Tablespoon)

For the frosting:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons orange juice
Save this Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat melted butter with sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until fully combined. Add flour, baking soda, kosher salt, orange zest and beat until blended. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
  • Press cookie dough into a lightly greased 15x10x1inch baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 18-22 minutes. Remove and cool completely before frosting.
  • For the frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar and orange juice for 3-5 minutes until fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled cookie bars.
  • Cut and enjoy.
  • Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • STORAGE. Transfer leftover cookie bars to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Prep. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper, or grease your baking dish lightly or spray with baking spray before adding the cookie batter.
  • Use store bought orange juice instead of squeezing your own, if preferred.
  • Try our cream cheese frosting with zested oranges for a tangy twist. Or pair these bars with sour cream frosting!
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 138kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 43mg, Sugar: 15g
    Course: Cookies
    Cuisine: American
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

    Chewy and citrusy Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy! You’ll love the easy orange glaze and morsels of white chocolate in every bite.



    Avatar photo

    About Aimee

    Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

    Learn more about Aimee.

    Affiliate Disclosure:**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Shugary Sweets! See my disclosure policy for more info**

    Learn How To Become a Better Home Baker
    Sign up for the Shugary Sweets FREE Email Course Today—soon you’ll say, "I made it from scratch!"

    Categories: , ,


    Posted on September 16, 2021

    Comments & Reviews

    1. 5 stars
      I love cranberry and orange together. These cake bars were so good! I’ll have dreams about them.

    2. 5 stars
      I think cranberry & orange is one of the best combination of flavors. They compliment each other so well! The frosting is to die for!

    3. 5 stars
      You really only have two choices with these… don’t make them or eat the entire pan. They are delicious and freeze well. You’ll never buy another at Starbucks again!

    Comments are closed.