Crumble Cookie Bars

Oh, are these good!....a must-try.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 1 8x8 in square pan

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter flavor shortening (Crisco is good)
• 1  egg, slightly beaten
• 3  tablespoons  sifted  baking cocoa
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1⁄2 cups icing sugar
• 3  tablespoons milk or 3  tablespoons half-and-half
• 3  tablespoons butter

Directions

1. Set oven to 375 degrees.
2. Coat bottom and sides of an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with soft butter (about 2 Tbsps).
3. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except the icing sugar, cream and butter.
4. Press three quarters of the mixture into the prepared baking pan. (if desired, sprinkle with tiny chocolate chips or nuts or both on top of the crust).
5. In a saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, milk (I like to use whipping cream in place of milk for a thicker texture) and the butter; until melted and combined.
6. Pour the melted mixture over the crumbled mixture in the baking pan.
7. Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture (the mixture does not have to cover completely).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes.