Cranberry Bliss Bars

These are absolutley scrumptious! Similiar to Starbucks' bars. My dear cousin who gave me this recipe eats them for breakfast! They definitely NEED a good cup of coffee with them. Trust me on this one.. its a keeper, too.

Cranberry Bliss Bars
1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3 eggs
2 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cupsall-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
4 ounces white chocolate (chips or bar, chopped)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and brown sugar in large bowl of electric mixer. Add eggs, ginger, and vanilla, beating well. Gradually mix in flour and dry ingredients. Stir in cranberries and white chocolate. Spread in greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely and frost.

Frosting
4 ounces cream cheese, room temp.
3 cups powdered sugar
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup dried cranberries, diced

Combine cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla in small bowl. Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Spread on cooled cookie layer. Sprinkle with diced cranberries.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk and 2 teaspoons shortening and drizzle over cookie layer.