12 Weeks of Christmas Treats-Glazed Cinnamon Toffee Bars

Wow, another year has passed, and here it is time for another 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats hosted by Brenda over at Meal Planning Magic.

It is so handy to have cookies and other goodies stocked away in the freezer at holiday time.  It is also nice to have a cookie mix on hand.  This year I thought that I would do something a little different.

I have a wonderful recipe for a homemade cookie mix from which over 20 different cookies can be made.  Today I am sharing the basic recipe and one of the cookies.  Each week I will share another cookie which can be made with the mix.

The original recipe called for shortening, but I usually use butter instead.  If using butter, the mix must be stored in the refrigerator.  It will tend to lump up a bit so will need to be stirred well before measuring.

The recipe for the Glazed Cinnamon Toffee Bars calls for an unusual ingredient, cottage cheese.  You may put it through a food processor or blender if you want to hide it.  You could also use sour cream or yogurt if desired.  The bars have a texture somewhat like a light brownie.

Holiday Cookie Mix
8 c. flour
2 c. white sugar
2 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 t. salt
4 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. baking soda
3 c. shortening or butter

In a very large bowl, combine flour, white sugar, brown sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda.  Mix until thoroughly blended.  Cut in shortening or butter until mixture looks like coarse cornmeal.  Transfer to zip top bag or bags or a tightly covered container.  Store in the refrigerator if using butter.  Makes about 16 cups mix.

Glazed Cinnamon Toffee Bars
3 c. Holiday Cookie Mix
1 c. quick oats
1 t. cinnamon
1 c. cottage cheese
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 t. vanilla
1/2 c. cinnamon chips
1/2 c. toffee chips
1/2 c. chopped, toasted walnuts or pecans
1 T. melted butter
1 c. sifted powdered sugar
1/4 t. cinnamon
2 T. or more milk

In a large bowl combine cookie mix, quick oats and cinnamon.  Mix well.   Combine  cottage cheese, eggs and vanilla.  Add to dry ingredients and mix until well combined.  Stir in cinnamon chips, toffee chips and walnuts or pecans.  Pour batter into a well-greased 9x13-inch baking dish.  Bake at 375 degrees about 20 to 25 minutes.  Place on a rack and let cool.  Combine melted butter, powdered sugar and cinnamon.  Add milk until of a glaze consistency.  Brush over the top of the bars.  Let cool and cut into bars.  Makes about 36 bars.  Store in a zip top bag.

There is still time to join us in this fun link-up.  Just click here to find the details.  For lots of great recipes just check out the links below.