Cookie Carnival -- Cosmo-Cocktail Cookie Bars

What a perfect cocktail! A hint of orange, cranberry and vodka!
These were one of the cookies for Cookie Carnival for February and they are really good. They were fairly easy to make and a nice treat for a Sunday evening (and a great treat to share at work on Monday afternoon).


Cosmo-Cocktail Cookie Bars
www.mccormick.com

2 1/4 cups flour, divided
2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon finely shredded lime peel
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold butter, cut into pieces
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 can (6 ounces) frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Orange Extract
1 tablespoon vodka (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix 2 cups of the flour, confectioners’ sugar, lime peel and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resemble coarse crumbs. Press mixture evenly into greased foil-lined 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake 20 minutes or until edges of crust are golden brown.

Meanwhile, mix eggs, granulated sugar, cranberry juice concentrate, remaining 1/4 cup flour, extract and vodka in large bowl until well blended. Pour evenly over hot crust.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until filling is set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar and finely shredded lime peel. Cut into bars.

Tip: Line pan with foil with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Use foil handles to remove baked dessert from pan. Place on cutting board and cut into bars.


Co-Workers Reaction:
They all loved them and one even said that these are the best cookies I have made and brought to work so far. One even compared it to a key lime or lemon bar. YUMMY!