Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, blending until you achieve a uniform mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and sea salt, ensuring that it's well mixed. Gradually sprinkle the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and orange zest (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for balanced flavor in every bite.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the batter evenly across the pan for uniform baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn a golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (not batter).
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Once slightly cooled, carefully lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into even squares.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar for elegance.
Keyword blondies, cranberries, dessert, white chocolate