Sour Cream Cranberry Bars

MAKES: 36

COOK TIME: 35 Min

With a chewy texture and a lemon zest kick our Sour Cream Cranberry Bars are sure to become a winter cookie favorite. Set 'em out after dinner or as a snack, and watch as they fly off the plate!

What You'll Need

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups sweetened dried cranberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 egg
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to Do

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add oats and 1-1/2 cups flour; mix well. Set aside 1-1/2 cups of mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture into an ungreased 9- x 13-inch baking dish.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, sour cream, egg, lemon zest, vanilla, and remaining flour; mix well. Spread evenly over crust, and sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
Bake 25 to 28 minutes, or until light golden. Cool then cover and chill. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Our Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread is another great way to enjoy cranberries and is a great addition to your bread basket!

Love this easy cookie recipe? Be sure to check out the rest of the holiday cookies we've featured in our 2014 Christmas Cookie Countdown!

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ddmorado 1734451

Dec 21, 2016

To CaptScubaChic Just remember that using the old fashioned oats will be a chewier, drier texture than those instant or 3-minute cooking oats.

Reelani

Jan 30, 2015

These were easy to put together and tasted pretty good. I did use some orange zest that was on hand rather than the lemon zest we love orange and cranberry together. I want to try these again but using dried tart cherries, possibly with some mini chocolate morsels as well.

lorimascarenas 586 6325

Dec 13, 2014

Incredibly yummy!!! So easy to make, compliments from everyone!!

adamncsu 2770124

Dec 05, 2014

We love your recipes and they give us a lot of inspiration. Cannot wait to try these for the holidays. http//www.catering-by-design.com/

42Barbie 1167470

Dec 02, 2014

after you chill, can you leave out or refrigerate?

Test Kitchen Team

Dec 03, 2014

Once you slice up these yummy cranberry bars you can leave them out or refrigerate them. It's all about your preference. Do you like them chilled or soft and gooey? Either way, they'll be delicious!

barb107

Dec 01, 2014

This sounds like a great cookie for the exhange. I can hardly wait to make them.

Betsyannmarie

Dec 01, 2014

I don't participate in any formal cookie exchanges, but give and receive trays to friends, family, and neighbors. It's a great way to sample treats from other bakers and sometimes leads to a new recipe for my personal collection.

mamo66

Dec 01, 2014

I do not participate in a cookie exchange, but do give cookie plates featuring several kinds, shapes, flavors of cookies and candies.

twilightmyst72 174 9988

Dec 01, 2014

These look awesome and going to put them on my to make list! Kids would really enjoy them!

kathypease 3125496

Dec 01, 2014

These look awesome and I will have to try them out on my family this holiday..Thanks for sharing )

lesandlor 9549194

Jan 28, 2014

These were so delish! My whole family thoroughly enjoyed them. They make a great after school snack for the grandchildren. Will definitely make these again and again.

CaptScubaChic

Aug 15, 2013

Haven't tried yet, but I have two questions. I don't have quick cooking oats but I have tons of old fashioned oats. Can they be substituted equally? And can I leave out the lemon zest or substitute a drop of lemon extract? Thanks

Test Kitchen Team

Aug 16, 2013

Thank you for your questions. Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats and yes, you can leave out the lemon zest and substitute lemon extract. Enjoy!

pattyah62 3084513

Mar 06, 2013

How many servings are in this recipe and how many calories and carbs per serving are there ? Also can the grated lemon peel be left out of the recipe?

redonie 0061777

Feb 14, 2013

What are sweetened dried cranberries? Can you buy them named as such? Or Can you use the fresh bagged cranberries?

Test Kitchen Team

Feb 14, 2013

Sweetened dried cranberries are often referred to by their brand name, Craisins. You can find them in your grocery store near the raisins and other dried fruit. You do not want to use fresh cranberries, that is a completely different texture and flavor. Thank you for your question.