CHOCOLATE CHIP & PECAN MERINGUE BARS

Chocolate Chip & Pecan Meringue Bars image

I've had recipes for chocolate chip cookies and pecan meringues in my collection for a number of years-and I combined them to make these bars! They're a lovely addition to any holiday cookie tray. -Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar, divided
1/2 cup sugar
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
3 tablespoons 2% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Steps:

Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, cream butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, milk and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Press into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan., With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add remaining brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until brown sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until thick and glossy. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Spread over dough in pan., Bake on a lower oven rack until meringue is lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Using a serrated knife, cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 188mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.