Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful twist on classic cookie bars that will have your taste buds dancing! These Pecan Praline Cookie Bars blend the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a luscious praline topping, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these heavenly delights that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to discover the secret to this irresistible dessert? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup praline topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
- Drizzle the praline topping over the surface of the cookie dough, using a knife to create a swirled pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cookie bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 equal-sized bars.
- Serve and enjoy the rich, nutty, and sweet Pecan Praline Cookie Bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
- Chop Pecans Evenly: For a consistent texture and even distribution, chop your pecans into uniform pieces.
- Swirl the Topping: When drizzling the praline topping, use a knife to create a beautiful swirl pattern, enhancing both the look and flavor.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will help them set properly and make slicing easier.
- Storage: Keep your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to 5 days.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra special treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
