Cranberry Bliss Bars The Homemade Holiday Treat

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the blondie base cool completely in the pan before frosting.
9. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract (and orange extract, if using).
10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.
11. Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the frosting is set.
12. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with the vegetable shortening (if using) until smooth. Stir in the orange zest.
13. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the chilled frosting.
14. Refrigerate for another hour to set the drizzle.
15. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares and serve.