Noir Bars (Cookie Mix)

Source: Betty Crocker NOTE: Cookie mix used is 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® double chocolate chunk cookie mix. "Deep rich chocolate, dark roast coffee and cream cheese marry in a seductive layered bar."

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 36
• Yields: 36 bars

Ingredients

• Cookie Base

• 1 (17 1/2ounce) envelope  Betty Crocker double chocolate chunk cookie mix
• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil
• 2  tablespoons water
• 1  egg

• Filling

• 8  tablespoons butter or 8  tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3⁄4 cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

• Topping

• 1⁄2 cup  whipping cream
• 2  cups  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
• 2  tablespoons instant espresso powder

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F
2. In large bowl, stir cookie base ingredients until soft dough forms.
3. Spread in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan.
4. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or just until set.
5. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and 3/4 cup chocolate chips over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
7. Set aside to cool.
8. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining 6 tablespoons butter with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
9. On low speed, beat in powdered sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until blended.
10. Beat in cooled chocolate on medium speed until well blended.
11. Spread filling over cooled base.
12. Cover; refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
13. In 2-quart saucepan, heat cream, 2 cups chocolate chips, 1/4 cup butter and the espresso powder over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
14. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes.
15. Pour chocolate topping over filling; spread to cover bars.
16. Refrigerate uncovered until set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
17. For bars, cut with wet knife into 9 rows by 4 rows.
18. Store covered in refrigerator.