White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies

By TrayH

This recipe is often requested for wedding receptions,” says Erika Busz of Kent, Washington. “For a fancier presentation, cut the bars into triangle shapes and drizzle white chocolate over each one individually.”

Ingredients

• ~For the FROSTING:
• 3/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1-1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 6 ounces white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 package (8 ounces) PHILADELPHIA® Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel, optional
• 6 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Details

Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 1

* In a microwave, melt butter; stir in brown sugar. Transfer to a large bowl; cool to room temperature. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

* Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; gradually add to butter mixture. Stir in cranberries and chopped chocolate (batter will be thick).

* Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 18-21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack.

* For frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and orange peel if desired until blended.

* Gradually add half of the melted white chocolate; beat until blended.

* Frost brownies. Sprinkle with cranberries. Drizzle with remaining melted white chocolate. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.