Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (aka Snookies)

Don't ask me how I know who Snooki is, and even if you do, I'll lie about it.  When I think about cookie bars, or squares or snacks, I just feel the need to combine the words into something cute... in this case Snookies, very fitting since just this past weekend, Snooki welcomed her own little sweet into the world (or so I hear).

This little gems are adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe.  Martha hasn't led me astray yet... I love that woman, she's a cool blend of classy and sassy.  I also love that these 'Snookies' allow me to have the taste of a killer chocolate chip cookie, but about a quarter of the work.  Plus, they are perfect for our family... I love crispier cookies, so I get the outside bars, and hubby loves chewier chocolate chip cookies, so he gets the centre ones.  (Chelsea will just eat any part with visible chocolate).

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Adapted from Martha Stewart

3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans (or just add more chocolate chips, but I love me some pecans)

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon and a strong arm), cream together salt and sugars until light and fluffy.  Beat in the egg and vanilla well.  Add the dry ingredients and stir in thoroughly, then add in the chocolate chips and pecans.  Drop dough into a prepared 7x11 or 9x9 inch pan (I greased and floured), and press down lightly to fill pan evenly.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes and try to allow to cool completely before cutting. 

These were so addictive.  I hope they last longer in your house than they did ours!  If you have other 'Snookies' you like to make, let me know, I'd probably like to make them too.

Enjoy!