PECAN PIE COOKIE BARS

PECAN PIE COOKIE BARS image

Yield Makes 20-25 squares.

Number Of Ingredients 17

BASE:
1/2 cup flour (plus 2 T. more for high
altitude)
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/8 teaspoon salt
TOPPING:
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 eggs
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup (1/2 stick + 2 tablespoons)
unsalted butter, MELTED
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Set aside an 8-inch square pan, UNGREASED BASE: Mix together flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a food processor until crumbly and spreadable. With a spatula, spread mixture evenly over pan. Lay plastic wrap over the top and press firmly into place. Remove the plastic. Bake until lightly browned, about 18 minutes (2-3 minutes longer in high altitude). Watch. Don't overcook. TOPPING:While the base is baking, combine the above topping ingredients- EXCEPT the pecans-in a food processor and turn on until "just mixed together." Transfer to a bowl. Stir in the pecans. When the base is baked, remove it from the oven and EVENLY SPOON THE TOPPING over the hot base. BAKE until the surface is slightly brown, about 25 minutes (28 minutes high altitude). Watch! Cool completely on a rack, then refrigerate until cold and cut into squares. Keep in refrigerator and always serve cold. ENJOY!!!