Nanaimo Cookie Bars

Prize-Winning Recipe 2009! Try this easier cookie-mix take on a classic layered chocolate and vanilla bar.

Ingredients

• 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® double chocolate chunk cookie mix
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped nut topping or chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 1 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1 egg
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
• 1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine

Instructions

• Make cookie base: blend cookie mix, graham cracker crumbs, chopped nuts, coconut, butter and egg until well mixed. Spread cookie base into foil lined 13x9-inch pan; press lightly. Bake at 350° for 16 to 18 minutes. Cool completely.
• Stir together powdered sugar and pudding mix. Add 1/3 cup butter and the milk; beat until smooth (filling will be very thick). Spoon over cookie base; press evenly to cover. Refrigerate.
• Microwave chocolate chips and 1/4 cup butter uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Spread over chilled filling. Refrigerate uncovered until set. Use foil to lift bars from pan; pull foil from sides of bars.