Mexican Chocolate Bars

A festive treat that can be enjoyed on any occasion. These rich, Mexican Chocolate Bars are topped with cinnamon and walnuts, giving them a soothing aroma and delicate crunch. This recipe yields about 45 bars and can be made in under 30 minutes.

Yield: 45 bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 1/3 tablespoons cinnamon, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Challenge Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg, separated
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (12 ounce) bag (2 cups) semisweet chocolate pieces
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 15 x 10 x 3/4 inch jellyroll pan.
2. Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Beat butter, 1 whole egg, egg yolk, water and vanilla extract. Blend in dry ingredients.
4. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
5. Beat egg white slightly; brush over mixture in pan. Combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, chocolate pieces and nuts. Sprinkle over top.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (don’t over bake). Cool.
7. Cut into 2 1/2 x 1 inch bars.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Challenge Dairy