These Dark Chocolate Cranberry Blondies are a delightful twist on traditional blondies, with rich, chewy texture and an irresistible combination of dark chocolate and dried cranberries. The hint of fresh orange zest adds a refreshing burst of citrus to balance the sweetness. This recipe, based on Kristin Hoffman’s Master Blondie recipe from Baker Bettie’s Better Baking Cookbook, is easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a delicious treat!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

¾ cup (150g) light or dark brown sugar, lightly packed
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 and ⅓ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (130g) bittersweet or dark chocolate chips or chunks
¾ cup (105g) dried cranberries

Directions

Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square or 9-inch round pan with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and orange zest, whisking until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the baking powder, salt, and flour to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula for about 30 seconds to develop a bit of gluten, which helps create chewy blondies.
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
Bake: Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 28-33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the blondies to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares or wedges.
Serve: Enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days.

Nutrients

Calories: 218
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 43mg
Sodium: 140mg
Potassium: 122mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 19g
Vitamin A: 110IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 13mg
Iron: 1mg

What Makes Blondies Different from Brownies?

Blondies are often compared to brownies, and while they share similarities, they have key differences that set them apart. Unlike brownies, which are traditionally made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate to give them their signature chocolate flavor, blondies are made with vanilla and brown sugar, creating a rich, caramel-like flavor. They are typically less dense than brownies but still moist and chewy. This variation in ingredients and flavor profile makes blondies a delightful alternative to brownies, especially for those who love the sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla but don’t want the intensity of chocolate in every bite. By incorporating dark chocolate and dried cranberries into this recipe, you get a perfect balance of flavors that adds complexity while still maintaining the iconic chewy texture of a traditional blondie.

The Role of Brown Sugar in Blondies

One of the key ingredients that makes blondies so special is brown sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture, sweetness, and a touch of caramel flavor to the batter, which is essential for achieving the chewy texture that makes blondies so delicious. The combination of light or dark brown sugar with granulated sugar in this recipe gives the blondies a deeper flavor and enhances their richness. Brown sugar also helps create the perfect golden color as the blondies bake, adding a visually appealing touch to the final product. The slight molasses undertones in the brown sugar are the secret to the signature flavor of blondies, making it an indispensable ingredient in this recipe.

Dark Chocolate: A Rich and Luxurious Addition

Dark chocolate is one of the standout ingredients in this version of blondies, bringing a rich, intense flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the tartness of the cranberries. Dark chocolate chips or chunks melt into the batter, adding pockets of chocolate throughout each bite, giving the blondies a luxurious feel. The slight bitterness of the dark chocolate balances out the sweetness of the sugar and dried fruit, creating a more sophisticated dessert that appeals to a wide range of palates. Dark chocolate also offers additional health benefits, as it is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to support heart health when consumed in moderation. This makes it a more refined choice compared to milk chocolate, which can be overly sweet in some baked goods.

The Freshness of Orange Zest

The addition of fresh orange zest is a genius move that elevates these Dark Chocolate Cranberry Blondies to another level. The citrusy note from the orange zest provides a refreshing burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dark chocolate and the sweetness of the cranberries. The zest helps balance the flavors, making the blondies feel lighter and more complex. The natural oils in the orange peel contain aromatic compounds that brighten up the flavor, adding a fragrant, fresh layer to each bite. This subtle citrus twist complements the other ingredients, ensuring that the blondies are flavorful but not overwhelmingly sweet.

Dried Cranberries: Tartness and Texture

Dried cranberries add a pleasant tartness and chewy texture that perfectly balances the richness of the dark chocolate. Their slightly sour flavor contrasts with the sweetness of the brown sugar, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the other ingredients. The tartness of the cranberries also helps cut through the richness of the butter and sugar, creating a more balanced and satisfying bite. Dried cranberries are also packed with antioxidants, which provide health benefits like supporting urinary tract health and reducing inflammation. These chewy, colorful bits of fruit add both flavor and visual appeal, making the blondies not only taste great but look beautiful as well.

Baking the Perfect Blondies

The key to baking the perfect batch of Dark Chocolate Cranberry Blondies is finding the right balance between moistness and chewiness. Because these blondies contain a mix of brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks, they bake up with a rich, fudgy texture that is both soft and chewy. The baking time is crucial—too long, and they can become dry; too short, and they won’t set properly. The ideal texture is one that is slightly crisp around the edges but moist and chewy in the center. It’s important to keep an eye on them as they bake, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures that the blondies are cooked through without losing their chewy texture.

Perfect for the Holiday Season

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Blondies are an ideal treat for the holiday season. The combination of dark chocolate, cranberries, and orange zest evokes the warm, comforting flavors associated with festive baking. Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a holiday dinner, baking for a holiday gift exchange, or making a special treat for a family gathering, these blondies are sure to impress. The cranberries add a pop of color, making them visually striking and festive, while the rich, chewy texture satisfies even the most discerning sweet tooth. They’re easy to make in large batches, so they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they store well, making them a convenient make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules.

Versatility and Customization

While this recipe is delicious as is, one of the great things about blondies is their versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or experiment with different mix-ins. For instance, if you’re not a fan of dried cranberries, you can substitute them with dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter treat. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these Dark Chocolate Cranberry Blondies to your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you keep them classic or get creative with add-ins, they will always be a delicious and indulgent treat.

Storing and Serving Tips

Once baked, these Dark Chocolate Cranberry Blondies should be allowed to cool completely before slicing. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them an excellent option for meal prep or making ahead for special occasions. For longer storage, you can freeze the blondies for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready to go whenever you want it. These blondies can be served as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert. They also pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon snack.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Blondies are an indulgent, easy-to-make dessert that combines the best of both worlds—rich chocolate, tart cranberries, and a refreshing burst of citrus from orange zest. These blondies are perfect for the holiday season but also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Their chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and the delightful contrast of dark chocolate and cranberries make them a treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings without being overly heavy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want a comforting dessert to enjoy, these blondies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their simple preparation, delicious flavors, and impressive look, these Dark Chocolate Cranberry Blondies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends.

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