candy bar shortbread cookie bites

I wanted to make a small festive Valentine's Day treat for the kids tonight.  I had some Valentine's M&Ms left and sadly some snickers bars from ummm ... gulp Halloween.  The shortbread base is really sturdy and very tasty.  In my mind you can't go wrong with butter and brown sugar.  The snickers bars stuck much better to the base and actually looked better as well.  The M&Ms were festive and the kids gravitated toward that flavor but, they seemed to fall apart a bit easier.  I cut these into small bite size pieces and they the perfect size because these are very sweet.  I am always looking for good ways to use up left over candy and this definitely works as it can be customized to what you have on hand. My extremely talented in all ways neighbor delivered some Valentine's baked goods left from her daughters 6th vintage Valentine birthday party (swoon) which made my sweet treat plate look over the top special tonight.  Happy heart day.  XOXO

candy bar shortbread cookie bites

source: everyday food

2 sticks salted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 oz favorite candy bars, chopped (~2 cups)


Preheat oven to 350. Prepare an 8 inch baking pan. Cream butter and light brown sugar and salt about 3 minutes. Once creamed, add in flour in 3 additions, blending well in between each addition. (It will be a bit crumbly).

Add to prepared pan by pressing down and spreading out dough.  Bake for 30-35 minutes (until golden brown and firm). Add chocolate chips on top and place back into oven for one more minute. Take out of oven and with an offset spatula, smooth out the melted chocolate chips. Add candy bar pieces and let cool on wire rack for 30 minutes. Then pop into fridge to firm up chocolate and candy for about 5 minutes.  Cut into bite size pieces.