Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

By srumbel

These easy and delicious Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are buttery, nutty and chocolaty, just like the best walnut chocolate chip cookies, but in delectable dessert bars!
Author: Heather Carter - MySweetMission.net

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup oats
• 1 1/2 cups flour, unbleached or all-purpose
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, reserve 2 tablespoons for top
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserve 2 tablespoons for top

Details

Preparation time 5mins
Cooking time 25mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat toaster oven or regular oven to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl cream the butter, brown sugar and salt. Mix on low speed for about a minute, then medium speed for an additional minute.
Add the egg & vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until the egg & vanilla are blended in, then on medium speed for an additional minute. The mixture should be pale yellow in color and a little fluffy.
Add the oats, the first ½ cup flour, along with the baking powder and baking soda, and mix on low speed until blended. Continue on low speed, add the remaining flour and blend until it disappears.
Continue on low speed, add ½ cup walnuts and ½ cup chocolate chips.
Evenly spread the dough in a 9" square pan. Sprinkle the reserved chopped walnuts and chocolate chips and press gently into the dough.
Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F toaster oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown. Don't over bake, these bars are best when they're a little soft and gooey.
Cool slightly before cutting into bars - enjoy!

Notes
Adding the baking powder and baking soda with the oats and the first ½ cup of flour will insure these small ingredients are well incorporated and eliminates sifting.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container.

Serves: 16