Candy Cane Bar Cookies from Candy Cane Murder by Joanna Fluke

Candy Cane Bar Cookies – from Candy Cane Murder by Joanna Fluke

Oven 350 with racks in middle

1 cup butter – (2 sticks, ½ pound) 1 c white granulated sugar 1 egg – whipped with a fork ¼ t peppermint extract ½ t salt 2/3 c finely crushed candy canes – measured after crushing 5 drops red food coloring 2 c flour – pack it down when measure 1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 oz)

2 c semi sweet chocolate chips (12 oz)

Melt butter in microwave for 1 min. 30 sec. on high – set on counter to cool Place sugar in bowl of electric mixer (can be done by hand) add egg and beat until it’s a uniform color Add the peppermint extract, salt, food coloring and finely crushed candy – mix it all up. Feel butter bowl – if it’s comfortable to hold, add to mixing bowl (other ingredients). If it’s too warm to hold comfortably – wait. Add flour in ½ c increments – mixing well after each addition Stir in chocolate chips Spread batter evenly into greased (or Pammed) 9 X 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 26 min. or until it feels firm on top.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with rest of chocolate chips – immediately cover pan to keep heat in – for 3 min. Remove cover and spread chips. Cool completely and cut.