Cranberry Citrus Sugar Cookie Bars
Cranberry Citrus Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with zesty citrus in a soft, buttery base. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these bars are both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious. With their vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma, they are sure to impress family and friends. Easy to make and adaptable for various occasions, once you indulge in these cookie bars, you’ll want to keep the recipe close at hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and citrus zest.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually combine with wet ingredients without overmixing.
- Gently fold in cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cooling before slicing into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor and texture. Substitute cranberries with blueberries or chopped cherries for a twist. Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra richness.