Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with a buttery, moist base. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie platters, or as a sweet snack during the festive season. Topped with a light glaze, they are both beautiful and delicious!

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped if large)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing

Making Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.

Step 3: Bake

1. Spread in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
3. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

1. Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

1. Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes.
2. Cut and Serve: Cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars (per bar, based on 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	26g
Sugar	12g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Include chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Substitute some of the fresh cranberries with dried cranberries for a different texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, festive flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store the cranberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness.

Conclusion

Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are a perfect holiday treat that combines tart cranberries with a moist, buttery base. With their festive flavor and beautiful presentation, they are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the bars a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.