Shortcut chocolate bars

Let me start by admitting that I keep several of these bars tightly wrapped in my freezer at all times. These and a few brownies. After a quick pop in the microwave, they're as good as new. Or pretty close anyway.

What I like best is that they're so easy to make and yet they're super delicious. My kind of treat!

Here's what you'll need:

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 17-ounce rolls refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough

Preheat your oven to 350 F. In a saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until the chocolate is melted. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the nuts (I don't use them but you may choose to) and the vanilla.

Cover a 15" x 10" (or any pan similar in size) with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. You don't have to use foil, but I always do because it makes clean-up a cinch and anything to make clean-up quicker is a good thing! Then, press 1 1/3 rolls of the cookie dough into the bottom of the pan.


Next, spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly on the cookie dough and resist the urge to dip a finger in it. Some of you have self-control, I'm sure. :)



Dot the remaining cookie dough on top of the chocolate mixture. It doesn't have to be precise, so now is a great time to call in little helpers you may have around.



Bake for 25 minutes or so but be carefeful not to overbake. When the top is lightly browned, it's done.



I find these bars even better the next day because they're extremely moist the first day so it's a great recipe for when you need something you can bake a day or two ahead of time.

Now, let it cool for a while and then cut into bars. The size of the bars will be up to you!



Wishing you God's blessings too numerous to count and may they all be as sweet as chocolate!

{hugs}