White Chocolate Cookie Squares

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of cookies.  I mean, who isn’t really?  Cookies are plain awesome. Chocolate chip cookies, double chocolate cookies, my grandma’s oatmeal cookies, cookie sandwiches (filled with buttercream at that, yum!), girl scout cookies, shortbreadNeed I go on? I think you get the point. I love all cookies, I’m not picky.

A glass of milk a couple handfuls of cookies… perfection.  Even more perfect when you are in your most comfiest pajama pants (and by comfy, I mean 3 sizes too big. That’s the best) and lounged out on the couch with like a dozen pillows watching a good chick flick.  Or, if you’re a guy – just switch that to a dude flick.

Chick flicks=romance. Dude flicks=people blowing other people’s heads off.  In case you were wondering on the difference… 😉

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Ok, so back to cookies. Most cookies are super easy as it is – but this one, my friends, is even simpler than the average cookie.  No scooping out mounds of cookie dough onto a baking sheet, waiting for them to finish baking just to load up another baking sheet.  Just plain and simple making a very simple cookie dough & spreading the whole dern thing on a cookie sheet, and baking it all at once.

As if the simple cookie dough wasn’t good enough (and trust me, it’s SO good!) – this little recipe gets even better with the addition of white chocolate frosted on top. Oh my.

Now, if you’re not a white chocolate lover… you could definitely use milk chocolate.  But, I’m telling you – even my 12 year old self declared ‘white chocolate hater’ loves these.  And that’s saying a lot when you live in a world with picky kids. You know what I’m saying, moms?

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

What do you say?  Wanna get started?  I think the drool on your chin signifies a yes.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Here’s what you need.  Yes, this is all.  Simple enough.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

In a large bowl, cream together 2 sticks of softened unsalted butter & 1 cup of light brown sugar.

https://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2012/12/shortbread-bites/

Beat in one egg.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Add in 2 cups of all purpose flour.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

1/2 teaspoon of salt.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

And 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Mix just until combined.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Now, this step is optional – but I figured with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I might as well add some red food coloring. Plus, my girls really like anything that’s red, pink, or purple. Typical, right? 😉

Add in enough red food coloring (or any other color you want) to get your desired shade.  I used a whole small tube of the liquid food coloring.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

I like to use parchment paper on my cookie sheet – but this is not necessary.  It’s just a personal preference. Spread your cookie dough evenly on the cookie sheet, til it’s about 1/4-1/2 of an inch thick.

Now, if you’re using parchment paper… when you go to spread the dough, the parchment paper will slide a little.  You can attempt to hold it – or you can be like me and use mini clamps or binder clips to hold it down.  Genius right? Well, I am the daughter of an engineer – he’s so proud of me right now… 😉  Just be sure to remove the clamps/clips before baking.  We don’t want any accidents!

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Once you’ve got your dough all spread out, it’s time for some time in the oven.  Make sure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees, and then bake for 15 minutes – or until your edges get a little brown.

Photographer’s note: I took these next pictures at night time… with no flash.  I was tired & out of coffee.  You understand, right? I though so – that’s why I love you all so!

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

As soon as your sheet of cookie dough comes out of the oven, dump one whole bag of white chocolate chips on top.  And if you’re feeling more adventurous as the time, add half of another bag.  I won’t tell.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Pop the baking sheet back into the oven for about 60 seconds.  If the white chocolate chips aren’t melted enough to spread, then pop back in for another 30 seconds or so.  Just be careful not to overcook the white chocolate as you don’t want it to seize up on you.

Using a spatula, spread that melty white chocolate goodness all over your sheet o’ cookie.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

 

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

It’s sprinkle time!  I’m using pretty little hearts – but you can use whatever kind of sprinkle you like, or even omit them all together.  However, sprinkles make everything prettier – especially things in the cookie form!

These would be super cute to do up with different themed sprinkles for a variety of occasions.  Think of Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, St. Patty’s Day, 4th of July, birthday, etc.  The possibilities are endless, really.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Sprinkle your sprinkles (love that!) all over your big cookie.

I literally used a whole container.  What?  Sprinkles make me happy.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Let the cookie sheet cool until the white chocolate is set up, which won’t take long. Then, slice into squares using a knife or a pizza cutter like I do. Pizza cutters aren’t just for pizza anymore, people 🙂

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Oh man.  I love these.  I really do.  My family likes them a whole bunch too… which is all too good of a reason to make 2 batches next time.  But, only telling them about the one… and hiding the second somewhere they’d never look (like in a tupperware container where the cleaning supplies are stored, haha) so I can have them all to myself.

My dad would call that ‘a daddy sized piece’ when he would get more than anyone else of desserts when I was a kid – but I’m hereby renaming it – “It’s mine, and I’m not sharing’ piece batch.

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

White Chocolate Cookie Squares

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks of unsalted butter 1 cup, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups of all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 bag of white chocolate chips about 12 ounces (or even more if you're feeling adventurous!)
  • sprinkles optional
  • food coloring of your choice I used red (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter & brown sugar. Mix in 1 egg. Add in the flour, salt, & vanilla extract; mix until just combined. If you're using food coloring (I used red) now would be the time to mix that in. Add in enough food coloring to reach your desired color.
  • Spread your cookie dough on a large baking sheet until the thickness reaches ¼-1/2 of an inch.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges of your dough begin to brown slightly.
  • Remove from the oven, & dump your white chocolate chips on top. Place it back into the oven for 60-90 seconds to melt the chocolate chips slightly Be careful to not leave it in there for too long as you don't want your chocolate to seize up. Using a spatula, spread the melty white chocolate all over your cookie until covered.
  • Sprinkle on your sprinkles (if using). Let the cookie cool for a few minutes so that the chocolate sets. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, slice the cookie into cookie squares.