Frosted Cherry Nut Bars

Submitted by iris5555

"This is a cake-like bar cookie. I found the recipe in a search for a cookie I was once served. While I don't think this is the same cookie, it's good anyway."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 18

ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened (no substitutes)
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup milk
• 1 cup mixed nuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup maraschino cherry, halved
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• FROSTING

• 1⁄4 cup butter (no substitutes)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar

directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk.
3. Stir in nuts, cherries and chocolate chips. Spread into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
4. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Frosting:

6. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until golden brown, about 7 minutes.
7. Add milk and vanilla.
8. Remove from the heat; beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Frost warm bars.
9. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.