Name: Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 33 min
Total time: 53 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 150 grams (¾ cup) brown sugar, lightly packed; 50 grams (¼ cup) granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 160 grams (1 ⅓ cups) all-purpose flour; 113 grams (½ cup, 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 100 grams (1 cup) fresh cranberries; 75 grams (½ cup) white chocolate chips or chunks; 50 grams (½ cup) shelled pistachios, chopped

There's something about the warm, slightly chewy crumb dotted with tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate that just feels like a cozy hug in dessert form. This Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe has been my go-to for sharing special moments—and trust me, it won’t disappoint your sweet tooth or impress your friends.

A stack of four rectangular dessert bars sits on a white plate with a green rim shaped like a leaf. Each bar is light brown with visible pieces of red berries and green pistachio nuts mixed throughout, creating a colorful texture. The bars look soft but firm, with small chunks of white nuts adding to the texture. Around the plate are small green and red Christmas ornaments, two blue frosted miniature trees, and a green textured napkin with more ornaments on a white marbled surface and a blurred white brick wall background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I baked these cranberry white chocolate blondies, I knew they’d become a favorite. The balance between sweet, tart, and nutty flavors makes this recipe a unique treat that’s perfect for any season.

Flavor Harmony: The fresh cranberries bring a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the white chocolate.
Texture Perfection: Soft and chewy with a delicate crisp top, thanks to a touch of gluten development in the batter.
Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry basics with fresh cranberries and pistachios for a special twist.
Easy To Make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just delicious results every time.

The image shows nine square bars placed on a silver cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each bar has a golden brown base with visible red cranberries scattered throughout and topped with small pieces of green pistachios and white nuts. The texture of the bars looks slightly crumbly with a crunchy topping. In the background, there is a round rack holding fresh cranberries dusted with white sugar, two small blue-green decorative trees, and a shiny Christmas ornament with red, green, white, and gold sections. The overall scene gives a festive, cozy vibe. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines pantry staples with fresh bursts of flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect balance of chewiness, sweetness, and texture you expect from a great blondie.

Flat lay of a small mound of lightly packed dark brown sugar, a smaller pile of white granulated sugar, a stick of unsalted butter partially melted in a white ceramic bowl, one whole large brown egg with a clean shell next to one whole egg yolk in a tiny white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small heap of fine baking powder, a small pile of coarse kosher salt, a neat mound of all-purpose flour, a small cluster of fresh red cranberries, white ceramic bowl filled with irregular white chocolate chunks, a small white ceramic bowl holding shelled green pistachios all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brown Sugar: Using dark brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth that complements the cranberries.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps give the blondies a tender crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind everything together for that chewy texture.
Egg and Egg Yolk: Provide structure and extra tenderness from the yolk's fats.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
Baking Powder & Kosher Salt: Light leavening and seasoning bring the flavors forward.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to create a sturdy, chewy base without being dry.
Fresh Cranberries: Tartness and pop, essential for balancing the sweetness.
White Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Melty, sweet pockets that melt beautifully in the baking process.
Shelled Pistachios: Toasty crunch and a lovely green contrast that make every bite interesting.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I've played around with this Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe quite a bit to suit different occasions and moods—you can easily customize it to fit what you love or what you have on hand.

Variation: I sometimes swap pistachios for chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty note, and it always turns out great.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free white chocolate chips for a tasty vegan version.
Fruit Swap: If fresh cranberries are out of season, try dried cranberries but soak them for 10 minutes in warm water to plump them up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate into the batter better, giving you a smoother, more tender blondie. Also, melt your butter and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs when mixed.

Step 2: Mix Your Sugars and Butter

Whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter until smooth. I love how this step creates a luscious base of flavor and moisture—don’t rush it.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and fully combined. This rich batter is just begging to become blondies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients & Gluten Development

Fold in the baking powder, salt, and flour using a spatula. Stir just about 30 seconds to develop a bit of gluten—this trick gives your blondies a fantastic chewy texture instead of crumbly shortbread.

Step 5: Add Cranberries, Chocolate & Nuts

Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries, white chocolate chips or chunks, and chopped pistachios. This is where the magic happens – those bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into an 8-inch square pan lined with parchment or greased. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 28-33 minutes. Keep a close eye near the end—the top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Let the blondies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This sets the structure so when you slice them into squares, they hold together beautifully without crumbling.

Top Tip

After baking these cranberry white chocolate blondies a handful of times, I've learned a few tricks that ensure they come out perfect every time—and that I’m excited to pass along.

Room Temperature Eggs: Always use room-temp eggs; they blend more easily into the batter and improve texture.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the flour in gently and stop as soon as it’s combined to keep your blondies tender, not tough.
Use Fresh Cranberries: Their tartness really shines through—frozen cranberries tend to add unwanted moisture.
Check Early: Start checking at 28 minutes in your oven to avoid overbaking, which dries them out.

How to Serve Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe

cranberry white chocolate blondies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra pistachios or white chocolate shavings on top just before serving—it makes them look extra special and adds a little crunch to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these blondies with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai for a cozy afternoon treat. They also work nicely alongside vanilla ice cream when you want to turn them into a dessert extravaganza.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these blondies on a platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and extra cranberries—makes for a festive and inviting touch that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh and chewy for up to 4-5 days—if they last that long with your family around!

Freezing

I love freezing leftover blondies in individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then stored in a zip-top bag. That way, I can thaw a single piece quickly for a sweet pick-me-up later.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the blondie pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven to regain that soft, melty texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Frozen cranberries tend to release more moisture when baking, which can make the blondies soggy or affect texture. It’s best to use fresh cranberries if possible. If you must use frozen, thaw and pat them very dry before folding into the batter.

What’s the best way to keep cranberry white chocolate blondies moist?

Avoid overbaking by checking the blondies around 28 minutes and removing them once a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Also, letting them cool completely in the pan helps retain moisture before slicing.

Can I substitute white chocolate chips with something else?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use white chocolate chunks or even milk chocolate chips for a twist. Just keep in mind that white chocolate provides sweetness and creaminess that balances the tart cranberries especially well.

How long do these blondies keep?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these blondies stay fresh and chewy for about 4-5 days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Recipe holds a special place in my heart. They bring a perfect mix of comfort and celebration, whether it’s a casual weekend treat or an elegant holiday dessert. I’m excited for you to try it and create your own sweet moments with it—after all, baking is best when shared with friends like you.