How to Make Cranberry-White Chocolate Shortbread Bars

Posted on 2025-01-092025-01-09 by Bert Swope

Cranberry-White Chocolate Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combines buttery shortbread, tart cranberries, and creamy white chocolate. Perfect for the holiday season or any occasion, these bars strike the right balance of sweetness and tanginess, with a tender, crumbly texture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating these irresistible bars, from gathering the ingredients to cutting the final pieces.

Equipment Needed

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

Mixing bowls (large and medium-sized)
Electric mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment
9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Kitchen scale (optional for precise measurements)
Cooling rack
Knife for slicing the bars

Preparation Time

Prep time — 20 minutes
Chill time — 30 minutes (optional for easier cutting)
Bake time — 30–35 minutes
Total time — Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a 9×13-inch pan of Cranberry-White Chocolate Shortbread Bars. Measurements are provided in both US customary and metric units:

Ingredient	US Customary	Metric
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (2 sticks)	227 g
Granulated sugar	¾ cup	150 g
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	5 ml
All-purpose flour	2 ¼ cups	280 g
Salt	½ teaspoon	2.5 g
Dried cranberries	1 cup	120 g
White chocolate chips	¾ cup	130 g
Optional: Orange zest	1 tablespoon	6 g

Preparation Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make lifting the bars easier after baking. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
Add Vanilla and Orange Zest (Optional)
Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest if using. These add a subtle citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries and white chocolate.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Press the Dough
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly into the pan, ensuring the surface is smooth and compact.
Bake the Shortbread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center will still be slightly soft but will set as it cools.
Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. For cleaner cuts, you can chill the shortbread in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after it has cooled to room temperature.
Slice and Serve
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cooled shortbread out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 24 Bars)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	165 kcal
Total Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	23 mg
Sodium	55 mg
Total Carbohydrates	20 g
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g
Sugars	11 g
Protein	2 g

Tips for Success

Room-Temperature Butter — Ensure the butter is soft but not melted for the best texture.
Don’t Overmix — Overworking the dough can result in tough shortbread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Variations — Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a twist. Add nuts like chopped pistachios or pecans for extra crunch.

Conclusion

Cranberry-White Chocolate Shortbread Bars are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert, easy enough for a novice baker but sophisticated enough for any celebration. Their balance of buttery richness, tart fruitiness, and sweet white chocolate makes them an irresistible addition to any dessert table. Try this recipe, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your effort!