Cranberry Spiced Chocolate Chip Bliss Bars
Cranberry Spiced Chocolate Chip Bliss Bars are an indulgent treat where the richness of chocolate meets the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped in a warm, spiced crust. Perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion, these bars will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With the perfect blend of flavors and textures, they might just become your go-to dessert for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delectable bars, gather the following ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup rolled oats
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Preparation Steps
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Make the Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Incorporate Oats: Fold in the rolled oats, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Prepare the Filling: Gently mix the cranberries, chocolate chips, and nuts (if using) into the batter until they are well dispersed.
Spread in Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice them into squares or rectangles.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, offering a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced flavors. You can also serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage Tips
To keep your Cranberry Spiced Chocolate Chip Bliss Bars fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigerator: For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: These bars freeze well! Cut them into portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- They are incredibly easy to make and require minimal prep time.
- The combination of sweet chocolate chips and tart cranberries offers a delightful flavor contrast that is hard to resist.
- They are versatile: perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack.
- The spices enhance the overall flavor profile, making these bars feel festive and comforting.
Conclusion
Cranberry Spiced Chocolate Chip Bliss Bars are more than just a dessert; they encapsulate the warmth and joy of the season in every bite. With their rich flavors and satisfying texture, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for a gathering, these bars are a guaranteed hit. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these delightful treats that are bound to bring smiles all around!