12 Days of Cookies - Day 11

Not sure why bar recipes are classified as cookies, but they seem to be. So I chose one to be included in our 12 Days of Cookies because I like this one so much. It takes a bit more work than some of the others I've featured (but no baking!) -- it is so worth the effort!

Nanaimo Bars
..bottom layer..
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut (sweetened or unsweetened -- your preference)
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts or pecans)

Spray 9x9 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Stir in sugar and cocoa. Gradually add beaten egg. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add vanilla, graham cracker crumbs, coconut and nuts. Stir until well mixed. Press mixture into bottom of prepared pan.

..filling..
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2-3 tbsp. milk or cream
2 tbsp. instant vanilla pudding powder
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

Cream butter with electric mixer. Beat in remaining ingredients. Add more milk if the mixture seems too thick. Spread this over bottom layer, cover and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes).

..topping..
4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp. unsalted butter

In heatproof bowl over pan of water, melt chocolate and butter. Spread over filling and refrigerate.

To serve: let it come to room temperature and use a sharp knife to prevent cracking the chocolate as you cut it into squares.