Best Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients for Best Cookie Bars

• 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Walnuts
• Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Best Cookie Bars

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
5. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended), and 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk. Mix well.
7. Remove the crust from the oven and spread the filling evenly over the baked crust.
8. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
9. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
10. Let cool completely.
11. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting: In a small bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
12. Once the bars are completely cool, frost evenly with the prepared frosting.