Butter Pecan Turtle Cookie Bars

Today was another birthday at work. I love using the guys at work as my guinea pigs so today was a new recipe – Butter Pecan Turtle Cookie Bars.

I came across this recipe as I was flipping through the cookbook my mom made me for Christmas a few years ago. I don’t remember her ever making these growing up so I don’t know where she got the recipe from, but they sounded delicious.

The guys at work were not disappointed in the least and quickly devoured the pan. In fact, hubby stole a few pieces before I even brought them this morning. Of course the pregnant lady is the one who got blamed for sneaking the pieces prior to morning break!

BUTTER PECAN TURTLE COOKIE BARS
Makes about 3 dozen (Yeah, right!)

CRUST:
2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
½ c. butter, softened
1 c. pecan halves

CARAMEL:
2/3 c. butter
½ c. brown sugar

TOPPING:
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl combine all crust ingredients except pecans. Beat at medium speed until well mixed and fine (2-3 minutes). Firmly press on bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Place nuts evenly over crust.

In 1 qt. sauce pan combine the butter and brown sugar for the caramel. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until entire surface begins to boil. Boil one minute, stirring constantly. Pour evenly over pecans.

Bake 18-22 minutes or until entire caramel layer is bubbly. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips. Cool completely.

NOTE: Chocolate chips never firmed back up for me which made it a little difficult to cut clean bars and prevented them from being stacked on a plate like brownies. I will make these again, but may try to make the caramel layer a little thicker…how I do that without adding more butter who knows. Any ideas?

I’m linking up a day late to Hope Studios Tutorial Tuesday.