Strawberries and Cream Dessert Squares (Cookie Mix)

Looking for that new dessert to wow a crowd? It's the one that you'll make over and over, and everyone asks for the recipe? Try this one, made easier with a cookie mix.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 20
• Yields: 20 bars

Ingredients

• Crust

• 1 (17 1/2ounce) package  betty crocker  sugar cookie mix
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine, softened
• 1  egg

• Filling

• 1  cup  white  vanilla baking chips (6 oz)
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• Topping

• 4  cups  sliced fresh strawberries
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 2  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1⁄3 cup water
• 10 -12  drops  red food coloring, if desired

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F
2. Spray bottom only of 15x10x1 or 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
3. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms.
4. Press evenly in bottom of pan.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown.
6. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
7. In small microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until chips are melted and can be stirred smooth.
8. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
9. Stir in melted chips until blended.
10. Spread mixture over crust.
11. Refrigerate while making topping.
12. In small bowl, crush 1 cup of the strawberries.
13. In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch.
14. Stir in crushed strawberries and 1/3 cup water.
15. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens.
16. Stir in food color.
17. Cool 10 minutes.
18. Gently stir in remaining 3 cups strawberries.
19. Spoon topping over filling.
20. Refrigerate 1 hour or until set; serve within 4 hours.
21. Store covered in refrigerator.