Chocolate Chip-Pretzel Bars

I found this recipe online at Food & Wine.com a few weeks ago.  I thought my son might enjoy them. He did. I made these cookie bars for an end-of-school get-together for him and his buddies.  I got rave reviews on them.  One of my son's friends said "it tastes like a pretzel rolled in a cookie" which is exactly right.  



Chocolate Chip-Pretzel Bars

CONTRIBUTED BY GRACE PARISI

·         ACTIVE: 15 MIN

·         TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN PLUS COOLING

·         SERVINGS: MAKES 2 DOZEN 2-INCH SQUARES

            2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
 2 large eggs
 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12-ounce bag bittersweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups mini pretzels, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons chocolate sprinkles

        Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on the 2 long ends.
       In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, using a mixer beat the butter with both sugars at medium speed until light, 1 minute. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. At low speed, beat in the dry ingredients. Stir in the chips and pretzels.

        Spread the batter in the pan and top with the sprinkles. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden; the center will still be a little gooey. Transfer the pan to a rack and let cool completely.

        Run the tip of a knife around the side of the pan and lift the bar out using the parchment paper. Cut into 24 squares and serve.

MAKE AHEAD: The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook