Cranberry Orange Blondies: The Ultimate Festive Dessert Recipe

Cranberry orange blondies: Prepare to be captivated by a symphony of flavors! Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, buttery blondie, bursting with the tartness of cranberries and the bright, zesty aroma of orange. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of blondies are debated, they’re often considered the vanilla counterpart to the classic chocolate brownie, gaining popularity in the early 20th century. My take on this classic adds a festive twist, combining the quintessential flavors of the holiday season. Cranberries, a staple of North American cuisine with deep roots in indigenous traditions, pair beautifully with oranges, a fruit cherished for its vibrant flavor and nutritional benefits.

What makes cranberry orange blondies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the satisfying chewiness, and the comforting warmth they evoke. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply craving a delicious treat, these blondies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to bake a batch of sunshine!

Ingredients:

• For the Blondies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice depth)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1 large orange, zest of (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• For the Orange Glaze (optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Preparing the Blondie Batter

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn it! Let the melted butter cool slightly for a few minutes before proceeding. This is important because adding the eggs to hot butter can cook them.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar: Add the packed light brown sugar to the slightly cooled melted butter. Whisk them together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for achieving that chewy blondie texture. Don’t skimp on the whisking!
3. Incorporate the Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract really complements the orange and cranberry flavors, but it’s perfectly fine to omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
4. Dry Ingredients Time: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
6. Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts (if using). Make sure the cranberries and orange zest are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The cranberries will add a burst of tartness, and the orange zest will provide a bright, citrusy aroma.

Baking the Cranberry Orange Blondies

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is my preferred method, as it makes it super easy to lift the blondies out of the pan after baking.
2. Pour and Spread: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to ensure the batter reaches all corners of the pan.
3. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the blondies, as they will become dry. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly soft.
4. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important because the blondies will continue to set as they cool. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they will be too soft and crumbly. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, the wait is worth it!

Making the Orange Glaze (Optional)

1. Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Add more orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.
2. Drizzle and Enjoy: Once the blondies have cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. You can also spread the glaze evenly over the blondies if you prefer. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips and Variations

• Cranberry Variations: If you don’t have fresh or frozen cranberries, you can use dried cranberries. However, dried cranberries tend to be chewier, so you might want to soak them in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
• Nutty Additions: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts. Walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but you could also use almonds, macadamia nuts, or even pistachios.
• Chocolate Chips: For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Brown Butter: For an even richer, nuttier flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the batter. To brown the butter, melt it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Let the browned butter cool slightly before using it in the recipe.
• Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the blondies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the blondies as a dessert, snack, or even as part of a brunch spread. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Troubleshooting

• Blondies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and avoid overbaking the blondies.
• Blondies are too gooey: This could be due to underbaking or using too much butter. Bake the blondies until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Blondies are too tough: This could be due to overmixing the batter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
• Blondies are not rising: This could be due to using old baking powder or baking soda. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious cranberry orange blondies! They’re perfect for the holidays or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe and how it turns out! Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These cranberry orange blondies are more than just a dessert; they’re a burst of sunshine and holiday cheer all wrapped up in a chewy, delicious package. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, and here’s why: the combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. The blondie base itself is perfectly fudgy, offering a satisfying contrast to the slightly crisp edges. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! While I adore these blondies exactly as they are, there are so many ways you can customize them to your liking. For a richer, more decadent treat, try adding a handful of white chocolate chips to the batter. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully. Or, if you’re a nut lover, consider incorporating some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top before baking will also enhance all the flavors and create a delightful salty-sweet experience.

Serving Suggestions:

These blondies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest also make a lovely presentation. For a more sophisticated pairing, try serving them with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine. They’re also perfect for gifting! Wrap them individually in cellophane bags and tie them with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious present.

Variations to Explore:

Feeling adventurous? Why not experiment with different citrus fruits? Lemon or grapefruit zest would also work beautifully in this recipe, adding their own unique twist to the flavor profile. You could even try using dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different fruity dimension. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. The aroma alone, as these cranberry orange blondies bake, will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible blondies. I promise you won’t regret it! And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you make any modifications of your own? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy these cranberry orange blondies as much as I do!

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