Simple Cookie Bars

"Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, it's the best time of the year!" It's that wonderful time of year when we are all going to parties often being asked to take a treat. With everything this season brings, time is important, so I usually make "bars" instead of cookies because it takes less time. Here are a couple of recipes I made last week that were delicious! Great ideas for your next Christmas party. They would also be great for gifts. The first one was my favorite!

 

 

Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Cookie Bars

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup mini chocolate chips

12 Oreo Cookies, broken up

25 Cookies and Cream Hershey’s Kisses *

 

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil sprayed with cooking spray. Place butter and sugar into a large bowl, stir to combine, at least 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, mixing to combine. Add dry ingredients, chocolate chips and Oreo cookie pieces, stirring to combine. Press 1/3 of the dough into the bottom of prepared baking pan. Top with 5 rows of Hershey’s Kisses 5 per row. Top with remaining dough and gently press. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool for 30 minutes, cut into squares and serve.

Makes 12-16 bars

 

* I was not able to find Cookies and Cream Hershey's Kisses so I used Hershey's "Hugs" instead and I cannot imagine it being any better! If you like Oreos, you will love this one!

 

The Picky Palate

 

 

Double Delicious Cookie Bars II

 

1 & 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup caramel bits

3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts*

 

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of a 9″ x 13″ pan. Pour condensed milk over the crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips, caramel bits, and hazelnuts on top of milk. Bake for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars and enjoy!

 

* I used pecans instead of hazelnuts.

Bake or Break

 

"I don't know if there will be snow, but have a lot of cheer!"

 

Happy Baking!