-
Start with the blondie layer: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until melted. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Then, stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and orange zest. Finally, fold in the cranberries and chocolate chips.
-
Spread the dough into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center comes out *mostly* clean. Let cool completely. (To speed this up, you can place in the refrigerator after 10 minutes to finish cooling).
-
To make the frosting: In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth on medium-high speed. Reduce the speed to medium and add the powdered sugar, scraping the bottom and sides as needed, until fully combined. Add the vanilla, orange juice (if using), orange zest, and salt, and beat together until combined. Slowly add half of the melted chocolate and mix until fully combined.
-
Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies and sprinkle with cranberries. Drizzle with remaining melted chocolate. Cut into 12 bars, then cut each square into triangles.
-
Leftover bars stay fresh, covered tightly, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Make Ahead Instructions: The frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes before stirring and spreading over the bars. The bars (unfrosted) can be made up to 3-4 days in advance.
- Freezing Instructions: The unfrosted or frosted bars an be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
Calories: 301kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 42mg, Sodium: 90mg, Potassium: 96mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 329IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 57mg, Iron: 1mg
