Ultimate Turtle Cookie Bars

By melanieroe

Prep Time: 40 min
Total Time: 2 hours 10 min
Makes: 16 bars

Nutrition Information:
1 Bar: Calories 320 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 17g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 38g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 24g); Protein 3g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 6% Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 3 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Ingredients

• 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® chocolate chip cookie mix
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 24 caramels, unwrapped
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 3/4 cup pecan halves
• 3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon shortening

Details

Servings 16
Adapted from bettycrocker.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, stir together cookie mix, butter, egg and 1/2 cup chopped pecans until soft dough forms. Press evenly in ungreased 8-inch square pan. Bake 28 to 33 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat caramels and milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Carefully spread melted caramels evenly over warm bars; sprinkle with pecan halves. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 hour.
4. In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over bars. Let stand about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.

How To
To microwave caramels (for step 2), place caramels and milk in 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave uncovered on Medium-High (70%) 2 minutes; stir. Microwave 30 to 60 seconds longer, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted and smooth.

How To
Use a wet, sharp knife to cut bars easily.

Substitution
Use your favorite nut for the pecans.