Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. While your oven is warming up, line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray to ensure your blondies release easily.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup unsalted butter on high power for about a minute. Watch it closely to prevent overheating. You want it just melted, not bubbling.
Let the melted butter cool for a moment, then add 1 large egg to the bowl. It’s important to wait a bit so the egg doesn’t scramble when it hits the hot butter. Stir in 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a beautiful caramel-like consistency.
Now it’s time to fold in the dry ingredients. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine the ingredients just until you see no more flour streaks. This ensures your blondies stay tender and chewy.
Next, fold in the ¾ cup dried cranberries and ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens! The cranberries and chocolate will create bursts of flavor throughout the blondies.
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top lightly. It’s okay if it’s not perfect; it adds to the homemade charm!
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 24 to 26 minutes. You want them to be golden on the edges and just set in the middle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—but not wet batter!
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. This waiting time helps them firm up, making slicing easier and allowing the flavors to meld.
After cooling, lift the blondies out of the pan using the foil, slice them into squares, and serve. Enjoy your Cranberry Chocolate Chip Blondies warm or at room temperature!