Chocolate Chip & Pecan Meringue Bars

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.

Chocolate Chip & Pecan Meringue Bars

Average Rating: 5

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling
YIELD: 2 dozen.

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

Instructions

  • 1. Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
  • 2. 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.
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. 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

1 bar: 207 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.