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stacked cranberry orange cookie bars on a white plate with soft linen background

Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars

A smiling woman in a modern kitchen, wearing a brown apron, preparing a delicious dish with fresh ingredients.Sorrel Calver
Soft and buttery cookie bars made with fresh orange zest and tart dried cranberries, baked in one pan and sliced into easy-to-serve bars.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 18 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
  • Zester
  • Baking Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients
  

Cookie Bar Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries lightly chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and light.
  • Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then add to the butter mixture and mix just until combined.
  • Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, spread the dough evenly in a lined pan, and bake until lightly golden.

Notes

Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Avoid overbaking to keep the center soft.
Keyword Baked Dessert Bars, Cookie Bars, Cranberry Orange Bars, Fall Baking