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Layer Cookies

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Submitted by Gabby

Layer cookies with a buttery shortbread base topped with a crisp brown sugar meringue and chopped nuts. The egg yolks go in the bottom layer, the whites become the chewy topping.

YIELD

24 cookies

PREP

30 min

COOK

30 min

READY

60 min

These two-layer cookie bars use every part of the egg for a completely different texture in each layer. The bottom is a rich, shortbread-style base made with egg yolks, shortening, and white sugar. The top is a brown sugar meringue made from the beaten whites, finished with a scattering of chopped nuts that toast as the bars bake.

The trick is spreading the meringue layer gently over the base. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon and work from the center outward. The meringue doesn’t need to be perfectly even. It puffs and crackles in the oven, and those uneven spots become the best crispy-chewy bites.

Beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks before folding in the brown sugar and vanilla. Under-beaten whites collapse in the oven and turn sticky instead of light and crisp.

Kitchen Tips

  • Grease the pan well. The meringue layer likes to stick, especially at the edges.
  • Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. The meringue shatters if you cut while warm.
  • Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.
  • Any nut works here: pecans, walnuts, and almonds are all great choices.

Variations

  • Chocolate drizzle: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bars for a fancier finish.
  • Coconut topping: Add ½ cup shredded coconut along with the nuts on top.
  • Butterscotch version: Replace the vanilla in the meringue layer with butterscotch extract.

Ingredients

Layer 1
½ 118
1 237
CUP ML SUGAR
white
2 2
LARGE EACH EGG YOLK
beaten *
½ 2.5
TEASPOON ML SALT
1 ½ 355
CUPS ML ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
sifted
1 5
TEASPOON ML BAKING POWDER
Layer 2
1 237
CUP ML BROWN SUGAR *
1 5
TEASPOON ML VANILLA EXTRACT
1 1
LARGE EACH EGG WHITE *
¾ 177
CUP ML NUTS
chopped

Directions

Layer 1:

Cream shortening and sugar.

Add egg yolks and mix well.

Add flour, baking powder and salt mixing well.

Lastly, add the vanilla.

Spread in a well greased pan and spread with the 2nd layer.

Layer 2:

Beat egg white until stiff.

Add brown sugar and vanilla.

After spreading this on the first layer, sprinkle nuts on top of the last mixture.

Bake 30 minutes at 350~F oven. Makes 2 dozen bars or more.

* not incl. in nutrient facts Arrow up button

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 125g (4.4 oz)
Amount per Serving
Calories 519 24% from fat
 % Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 21%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 299mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 31%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Sugars g
Protein 19g
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 5% Iron 18%
* based on a 2,000 calorie diet How is this calculated?
Low Cholesterol, Cholesterol-Free, Trans-fat Free, Good source of fiber
 

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