# Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars: An Ideal Dessert
A cookie’s texture and taste combined with the simplicity of a bar? Now that’s an ideal dessert! Presenting: cranberry orange cookie bars! These soft, buttery cookie bars boast vibrant orange flavor and bursts of tangy cranberries. Your new favorite indulgence is just **1 bowl** and **8 ingredients** away! Did we mention they’re **vegan** and **gluten-free**? Nobody else has to find out. Let’s start baking!
## Ingredients
1. 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal
2. 2 ½ Tbsp orange juice
3. 1 Tbsp orange zest
4. 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
5. ¾ cup packed brown sugar
6. ½ cup melted vegan butter
7. 1 ⅓ cups gluten-free flour blend
8. ¾ tsp baking powder
9. ½ tsp sea salt
10. ½ cup dried cranberries (or dried tart cherries)
## Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the flaxseed meal, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract (if using). Allow to sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
3. Incorporate brown sugar and melted vegan butter into the mixture. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
4. Gently fold in the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir in the dried cranberries until just blended.
5. Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan, pressing it down to smooth the top. Bake for 25-28 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center is firm.
6. Let cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cutting into bars. The longer they rest, the better they will maintain their shape!
## Nutritional Information (per bar)
– **Calories:** 149
– **Carbohydrates:** 25.4 g
– **Protein:** 0.5 g
– **Fat:** 5.4 g
– **Saturated Fat:** 4 g
– **Cholesterol:** 0 mg
– **Sodium:** 137 mg
– **Fiber:** 0.8 g
– **Sugar:** 13.9 g
## Storage
These cookie bars can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
## Conclusion
We hope you ADORE these cookie bars! They’re chewy, buttery, just the right amount of sweet, orange-infused, vegan, gluten-free, and SUPER simple to prepare! Ideal for autumn gatherings or whenever a cookie urge strikes, they’re a wonderful treat for everyone, especially those who appreciate the cranberry and orange flavor pairing. Happy baking!