Double Chip Vanilla Cookie Bars and Mercantile Reminder

When I decided to make these cookies I had biscotti on my mind.  But as you know, biscotti is a bit more time consuming to make since it has to be baked twice. I wanted a cookie that was comparable, but with less work.   I think I’ve created a solid cookie bar that has some of the characteristics of biscotti, but tastes much more like a yummy shortbread cookie!

Double Chip Vanilla Cookie Bars

1/2 c. margarine

1 egg

2/3 c. granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

3 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 c. all-purpose flour

3 tbsp. mini dark chocolate chips, plus more for the tops

Sprinkles (optional)

In a large bowl, cream margarine, egg, and sugar.  Beat in salt, baking powder, vanilla, and flour until completely mixed.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Using your hands, form dough into a rectangular shape (approximately 8” long x 4” wide x 1 1/2” thick. Place shaped dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Wrap the parchment paper over the dough and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

While cookie dough is in freezer, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a separate cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Remove dough from freezer and slice cookies about 1/2” apart.  I used my Pampered Chef Crinkle Cutter and it worked like a charm.  Place cookies on prepared cookie sheet and bake for approximately 13 minutes, or until cookie has set.  *You may need to adjust baking time if your cookies are thinner or fatter than mine – I got 16 cookies from this batch.  I suggest setting your baking timer a little early to make sure you don’t over-bake your cookies.

Remove baked cookies from the oven and sprinkle mini chips on top, also colorful sprinkles if desired.  Return cookies to your warm oven and leave them just long enough to let chips melt slightly.  Remove from oven and move to cooling rack.  Store in airtight container.

I thought about drizzling some chocolate on top of these but amazingly, I did use some restraint!  These cookies go perfect with a nice cup of tea or coffee.  They are also hearty enough to transport without crumbling into pieces.   I’ve decided I will be making these and adding them to my Christmas cookie gift baskets that I share each holiday season.  Try making them yourselves, I think you’ll agree!

Just a reminder that the Antique Flatware auction is going to end this week on the 31st.  Don’t forget to place your bid!