Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

By ALICIA

Ingredients

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup macadamia nuts or 1 cup pecans (optional) or 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter with brown sugar and vanilla at medium speed until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
4. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to egg mixtuer while mixing on low speed.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
6. Spread batter evenly in an ungreased 13x9 inch (3.5L) pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean.
7. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Remove from pan and cut into squares.

***Instead of adding nuts you can add mini m&m's