Frosted Candy Cookie Bars

Turn a simple vanilla cookie bar into merry and bright treats with the addition of red and green chocolate candies, then add a simple chocolate ganache frosting for good measure.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 45

Servings: 2-inch bars

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup plain chocolate candies in red and green
12 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate roughly chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9x13” baking pan.

Step 2

In medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In bowl of electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.

Step 4

Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in candies.

Step 5

Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until bars are lightly browned and pick inserted into center comes out clean.

Step 6

Place chocolate in heat-proof bowl.

Step 7

Place cream in heavy saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Pour cream over chocolate and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. Then stir the mixture until smooth to create ganache frosting.

Step 8

Spread frosting over the bars or dip cut bars into ganache to coat top. Allow frosting to set before serving.

Notes

recipe by Jennifer, Bake or Break