My Ten Minute Hospitality/Kids Need a Goodie Solution: Candy Cookie Bars
1 package Nestle’s break-apart cookie dough (in refrigerator section; I prefer peanut butter but others will do too)
6 oz chocolate chips
6 oz butterscotch chips (or 1/2 cup peanut butter)
8 to 10 fun-sized candy bars (I like Butterfinger, Kit Kat, Reese’s, any type of M and M, and/or Reese’s Pieces–or any combination thereof)
1. Open cookie dough slab and microwave for ten to twenty seconds until super soft but not hot or cooked. (Do not break cookies apart at the perforation.)
2. Press slab down into a greased 9 x 13 (or smaller but deeper) baking pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for ten to fifteen minutes, depending on oven type (convection vs. regular, etc.). Cook until dough is completely baked.
4. While dough is baking, place candies in quart size zip-lock bag and crush with kitchen mallet (or process in mini processor).
5. When bars are nearly done, place both chips (or chocolate only) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on 50% for one to two minutes, stirring every thirty seconds. (When chips are glossy, stir them, and they will be melted and done. Do not over-cook.) If using peanut butter, stir peanut butter into melted chocolate chips.
6. Spread melted mixture over bars and sprinkle the “icing” with the crushed candies. Let cool/harden. Cut into bars.
Note: You can make this more festive by using pastel colors in the spring, or holiday colors of M and M’s or Reese’s Pieces in the fall!
