You probably already have most of the ingredients for making these bars on hand. Melted butter and light brown sugar give the blondie base a chewy texture with richness and a subtle hint of molasses. Eggs hold the dough together, and vanilla extract and orange zest add flavor, making this holiday favorite surprisingly floral and bright.
Finish the dry ingredients with all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground ginger or cinnamon. Ginger and cinnamon both pair well with orange zest and add a warm spice to the bar. Choose your favorite or combine both for a deeper flavor. To add interest and classic Bliss bar flavor and texture, mix white chocolate chips and chopped dried cranberries into the blondie batter and distribute them evenly throughout the bar.
For the topping, cream cheese and butter are kneaded into a creamy consistency that hardens and slices neatly. Confectioner’s sugar sweetens and thickens the mixture, while orange zest and kosher salt add flavor, looping the blondie-based flavors into a cohesive dessert. Finish the bar with a chopped cranberry garnish and a drizzle of melted white chocolate to further enhance the classic Starbucks look.