Cookie Challenge Pecan Bars With Cherries Recipes

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES WITH CHERRIES AND PECANS

Steps:

• Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Combine brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and shortening in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and molasses on low speed. Gradually add flour mixture and blend until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips, cherries, and pecans with a wooden spoon. Cover and place in the refrigerator until well chilled, at least 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Roll dough into scant 1/4-cup-sized balls and place 2 inches apart onto baking sheets.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown on the edges and slightly underdone in the middles, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, so cookies can continue to cook, before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

COOKIE AND PECAN BARS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the cookies, pecan halves, raisins, and cherries.
• Place a piece of parchment inside an 8 by 8-inch baking dish. Parchment should hang over the edges all around. (Alternatively, you can butter the dish on all sides.)
• Place a large saucepan or deep skillet on low heat, melt 2 sticks of butter then add in the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a simmer. Stir to make sure the sugar is melted and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add the butter mixture to the cookies, pecans, raisins and cherries. Stir until combined. Pour the warm mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a large spoon.
• Place a medium saucepan of water, about 2 cups, onto a medium heat. Then place a heat-proof bowl over it to create a double boiler. Add the chocolate chips to the bowl. Allow the chocolate to sit for 1 minute over the heat. When it starts to melt, stir until it's completely melted. Pour the melted chocolate over top of the pecan mixture. Spread out evenly. Place the mixture into the refrigerator for about 1 hour or into the freezer for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
• Once set, tip out onto a cutting board, peel off the parchment and with a sharp knife cut the slab into small squares and serve.