Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars

Created on January 5th, 2026 at 10:14 am

A Simple Cookie Bar Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars are designed for bakers who want the flavor of a classic cranberry orange cookie in an easy, sliceable bar format. Instead of shaping individual cookies, this recipe bakes the dough in one pan and cuts it into neat bars once cooled. This method reduces prep time, ensures even baking, and creates consistent portions that are easy to serve, store, and share.

The flavor profile is familiar and balanced. Butter provides richness, dried cranberries add tart contrast, and fresh orange zest brings brightness without making the bars overly sweet. These cookie bars are soft but sturdy, with a tender interior and lightly golden edges. They work well for casual baking, dessert trays, potlucks, and make-ahead treats because they hold their shape and travel easily.

This recipe was written to be reliable. The dough spreads evenly in the pan, bakes consistently, and slices cleanly once cooled. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are structured so the bars come out uniform every time. Whether you are baking for a small group or preparing dessert ahead of time, these cranberry orange cookie bars fit naturally into fall and winter baking routines while remaining neutral enough to enjoy year-round.

Why Cookie Bars Are a Practical Baking Choice

Cookie bars are often easier than traditional cookies, especially when time or consistency matters. By baking the dough in one pan, you eliminate the need for portioning and spacing individual cookies. This reduces prep work and helps avoid uneven baking caused by different cookie sizes.

The bar format also creates a uniform thickness, which means the center and edges bake more evenly. When done correctly, the edges are lightly golden and the center stays soft without becoming underbaked. This balance is harder to achieve with individual cookies unless great care is taken.

Cookie bars are also easier to slice and serve. Once cooled, they can be cut into squares or rectangles depending on the occasion. This makes them ideal for dessert platters, bake sales, and gifting. Their structure allows them to be stacked or packaged without crumbling, which adds to their practicality.

Cranberry and Orange as a Balanced Flavor Pair

Cranberries and orange are a classic pairing because they naturally complement each other. Cranberries bring tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the dough, while orange zest adds aroma and freshness without extra moisture. In cookie bars, this balance is especially important because the dough is thicker than a standard cookie.

In this recipe, dried cranberries are chopped slightly before being mixed into the dough. This helps them distribute evenly and prevents large clusters that can interfere with clean slicing. Orange zest is added directly to the butter and sugar mixture, allowing the citrus oils to infuse the dough evenly.
The result is a cookie bar that tastes bright and balanced rather than heavy. Each bite includes butter richness, cranberry contrast, and subtle citrus flavor, making the bars enjoyable on their own or alongside coffee or tea.

Time Breakdown

Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 25 to 28 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Allowing the bars to cool fully is important for clean slicing.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Fresh orange zest
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Dried cranberries, lightly chopped

Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Zester or fine grater
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Offset spatula or spoon
• Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and light.
• Add the orange zest and vanilla extract and mix until evenly incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, even dough forms.
• Fold in the chopped dried cranberries using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
• Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners.
• Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
• Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
• Lift the baked slab out using the parchment paper and slice into bars or squares.

Pro Tips for Clean Slices and Even Texture

Press the dough evenly into the pan to avoid thin spots. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the baked bars for 15 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts if cranberries stick. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the bars and make them crumbly.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry orange cookie bars pair well with coffee, black tea, or citrus-based drinks. They work well on dessert trays alongside simple cookies or fruit-based desserts. Because they are sturdy, they are also suitable for packing in lunchboxes or serving at gatherings.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be refrigerated for slightly longer storage. The baked bars freeze well when wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Table (Approximate Per Bar)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	185
Carbohydrates	25 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	9 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	13 g
Sodium	90 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but baking time will vary. A thicker layer will need more time, while a thinner layer will bake faster.

Why should I let the bars cool completely before slicing?

Cooling allows the structure to set, which helps the bars slice cleanly without breaking.

Can I add a glaze to these cookie bars?

You can, but the bars are designed to be balanced without frosting so the cranberry and orange flavors remain clear.

Do these bars stay soft?

Yes, when baked correctly, they stay soft in the center with lightly firm edges.

Are these cookie bars suitable for fall baking?

Yes, the cranberry and orange combination works especially well for fall, but the recipe is neutral enough to enjoy year-round.