Ingredients: |
Ingredients: 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional, to taste
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cranberries, loosely packed
Topping:
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and divided
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup dried cranberries, loosely packed (optionally, roughly dice them if the pieces are larger)
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Directions: |
Directions:Preheat oven to 350º. Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with Pam©; set aside. In a medium microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Allow the butter to cool but not congeal and add the brown sugar, vanilla, and stir to combine. Add the egg, whisking so it doesn't scramble. Add the flour, salt and stir until just combined, Don't overmix. Fold in 3/4 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup cranberries and stir to combine. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing it lightly with a spatula. Bake for 18 to 21 minutes, and center is set and golden or until edges begin to slightly pull away from sides of pan, or a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake. Allow bars to cool before frosting them. While they cool, make the frosting. In a small microwave safe bowl, melt the white chocolate on high power in 10 second intervals, or until it can be stirred smooth. White chocolate will easily scorch so melt it very carefully, and slowly, Use a double boiler if that's easier. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, 3/4 of the melted white chocolate, 2 cups confectioners' sugar, vanilla and beat until smooth and fluffy. Start by mixing on low speed and then beat on medium high for about 3 minutes. Mixture will seem stiff at first but will loosen and fluff up after 2 to 3 minutes of beating on medium high; stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add additional confectioners' sugar a little at a time until it is the consistency you prefer. Frost the bars; if you have excess, it will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 1 month. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cranberries over the top of the frosted bars. Drizzle bars with remaining melted white chocolate, Reheating for a few seconds in the microwave if it has set up. Allow bars to set up for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Bars may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. |
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