Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Gently fold in the 1 cup of white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries, and orange zest into the batter.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 7: Remove the blonde brownie base from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial before frosting.
Step 8: While the base cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 9: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 10: Once the blonde brownie base is completely cool, carefully spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Step 11: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries over the frosting.
Step 12: Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cranberries and frosting. You can use a spoon or a piping bag with a small cut tip.
Step 13: Chill the Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} in the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes to allow the frosting to set before cutting. This will make for clean slices.
Step 14: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 24 squares (or desired size) and serve. Store any leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} in an airtight container in the refrigerator.