Cookie Dough Fudge

Cookie Dough Fudge

Who doesn't love to sneak a taste of chocolate chip cookie dough?  This "fudge" recipe embodies that delicious taste and is topped with a creamy chocolate peanut butter ganache.  It is amazing!  And one of my new go-to's for holiday baking. 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips

Topping:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
OR
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).  Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.  With the mixer on low speed, alternate mixing in flour and sweetened condensed milk and mix until combined.  Gently fold in mini chocolate chips with spatula. 
Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper.  Press the cookie dough into the pan.  Cover the fudge with plastic wrap and refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. 
For topping, combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until melted and smooth.  Spread the mixture over the cookie dough fudge.  Chill the bars for 1 hour or until topping is firm. 


By:  Jam Hands

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars

These are a wonderful, healthy cookie bar!  They are super simple to make and taste great! 

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut oil, melted
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
8 ounces chocolate, chopped into chunks (about 1 1/2 cups; use dark chocolate to make it healthier)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350*F.  Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line with foil or parchment paper.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, flours, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla and beat until well combined and the dough holds together.  Mix in about 1 cup of the chocolate.  Turn half the batter out into prepared pan, pushing the dough into pan.  Sprinkle on remaining chocolate and then place the remaining half of the dough over the chunks.  I like to add a little more chocolate to the top.  Bake for about 20-25 minutes, do not overbake.  Allow bars to cool in pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.


By:  Half Baked Harvest

Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is quite simply one of my favorite desserts!  I love chocolate chip cookies.  But I don't always want to make a whole batch (they tempt me too much!) so this single serve is perfect.  It tastes more cake like than cookie to me but it is amazing!  Especially with some ice cream. 

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 drops of vanilla
pinch of salt
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Directions:
In a bowl, mix together the butter, sugars, vanilla, and egg yolk.  Add in the flour and salt.  Mix until combined.  Add in the chocolate chips.  Put the dough into a small microwaveable bowl or ramekin.  Microwave for 45-60 seconds or until cookie looks done.  Best served warm


By: My Happy Place

No Bake Energy Bites

No Bake Energy Bites

This is one of my favorite "treats" and it's pretty healthy! Packed with oats, flaxseed, and peanut butter, it is the perfect energy boost for a workout.  The addition of the chocolate chips makes it feel like a treat. 

Ingredients:
1 cup dry oatmeal (I use old fashioned oats)
2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.  Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like.  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to one week. 


By: Gimme Some Oven

Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars

I LOVE sugar cookies!  I love the flavor, cutting them out, decorating them, etc.  But every now and then, I want the taste without all the work.  And these bars are perfect!  They are very easy and quite addicting! 

Ingredients for the cookies:
2 1/2 cups bread flour or all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
several drops of food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Cookies:  Preheat oven to 375*F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.  Set aside.  In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Add eggs and combine well.  Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until completely blended.  Slowly add the flour mixture and stir until well combined.  Gently press the batter into the greased baking dish and spread out with hands (butter hands first to help with stickiness).  Bake 17-20 minutes or until edges become lightly golden.  Set aside to cool completely.

Frosting: In a medium bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and half and half until light and fluffy.  Stir in vanilla and salt until well combined.  Add food coloring until desired color.  Frost your cooled cookie bars evenly.  Cut into bars and serve. 


By: High Heels and Grills