Candy Bar Cookies

This is a fun and easy recipe for using up excess or leftover candy (is there such a thing?) that might be in your house after a treat-laden special occasion.  This yummy cookie dough uses crushed up chocolate bars or candy covered chocolates, instead of chocolate chips.  The addition of whole grain flour adds nutrition and tempers some of the sweetness.  

 Gather your ingredients:

 Chop up your favorite candy or chocolate bars:

The cookie dough, ready to scoop:

 Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a non-stick baking sheet:

 Just out of the oven:

Let's get baking!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup white sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¾ cup whole wheat flour

• ¾ cup white flour

• 1 cup crushed chocolate bars 

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 350F.

2.  Beat butter with an electric or stand mixer until fluffy.  Add brown sugar and white sugar.  Beat for 5 minutes.

3.  Add egg and vanilla.  Beat another 2 minutes.

4.  Add salt, baking soda, baking powder and both flours.  Mix only until incorporated.  Do not over beat.

5.  Stir in crushed chocolate treats.

6.  Scoop dough using a teaspoon, or a small (#7) cookie dough scoop approximately 2 inches apart onto a nonstick baking sheet.

7.  Bake for 7 minutes.  Open oven door, and using oven mitts, grasp the side of the baking sheet and bang the baking sheet down a few times onto the oven rack.  Turn the baking sheet around and repeat on the other side.  Bake another minute or so until the cookies’ edges are lightly golden.  

8.  Allow to cool before removing from the baking sheet.