Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Cream Cheese Swirled Snickerdoodle Blondies


My office was having a pre-Christmas cookie exchange and I was thrilled.  I've never been part of a cookie exchange before and was definitely looking forward to trying everyone's treats.  They were talking about peppermint truffles and these super decadent caramel chocolate bars.  I just knew that I had to up my game too if I wanted my treats to be on  par with theirs.  So, I came up with an idea to combine two awesome recipes and make something that is truly "ultimate."  I decided to make Cream Cheese Swirled Snickerdoodle Blondies.  I'd never tried it before, but there's got to be a first time for everything.  Besides, you really can't go wrong with snickerdoodles and cream cheese.

 

The recipe is truly decadent.  Think of it - all that brown sugar and butter plus four eggs and an entire POUND of cream cheese.  But, well, 'tis the season.  


Just the smell of this alone while baking was enough to make my mouth water in anticipation.  Not to mention looking in the oven and seeing that golden brown top all puffed and sweet.  Even after taking them out of the oven, I still had to wait for them to chill long enough to set so that I could cut them (yes, I was very patient).  Finally, it was time to taste.  The blondies were out of this world good.  All that cinnamony-sugary flavor with the fluffy blondie and the creamy cheesecake - match made in heaven.  I have a feeling my co-workers are going to swoon over this one just like I did. 

Cream Cheese Swirled Snickerdoodle Blondies 
(created by Sweet as Sugar Cookies)

Blondies (by Dozen Flours)
2 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. butter, at room temperature
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla

2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon

Cream cheese swirl (by Brandy's Baking)

16 oz. cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. flour

Cream the butter with the brown sugar.  Beat in the eggs and vanilla.  Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Beat the cream cheese with the sugar.  Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix well.  Stir in the flour until combined.

Grease a 9x13 pan.  Spread about 3/4 of the blondie batter into the pan.  Pour the cream cheese mixture on top.  Dollop the remaining blondie batter on top of the cream cheese layer and use a butter knife to swirl together.  Combine the 2 Tbsp. sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the blondies.  Bake at 350F for 45-50 min. until a toothpick comes out clean.  After removing from the oven, let cool for about 10 min., then you can chill them in the fridge for 15 min. so that you can begin cutting them. 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Sweets for a Saturday #98

1.  Billion Dollar Candy Bar - Twirl and Taste

 


2.  Cinnamon Bun Cake - Olla Podrida

 


3.  Eggnog Fudge - The Royal Cook

 


4.  Crockpot Nut Clusters - Six Sisters' Stuff



5.  White Chocolate Santa Mix - Melissa's Cuisine



The Rules:
  1. Please link up to the URL of your post, not the URL of your main blog. When it asks for "Name", type in the name of your treat.
  2. Please leave a link back to this post in your post or Grab My Button.
  3. Share your delicious sweets from this week. If you've made more than one during the week, feel free to link them all up.
  4. Leave me a comment telling me that you've linked up.
  5. Please visit at least two others and comment on their wonderful additions to this party.

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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Chocolate Peanut Butter Wheat Thin Fudge

 

It's been sooooo long since I last posted.  Although I've still been baking like crazy, it seems I just never get around to taking a picture of it and posting about it.  And I've definitely missed it, so I'm back and just in time for the last week of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats.

And, what better treat for Christmas than fudge!  This fudge, however, is not your ordinary recipe.  It doesn't require a candy thermometer or a lot of ingredients.  You don't have to worry about it crystallizing.  It's got layers of wheat thins in it for an added crunch and a little bit of saltiness to counteract the sweet.  And, unlike some other worrisome fudge recipes, I guarantee that this one will turn out perfectly every time.  You could make it in your sleep.

All it takes is some chocolate, peanut butter, and the wheat thin crackers.  I kid you not.  That's it.  Put it all together, chill it in the fridge, and you've got a chocolate peanut butter fudge that will make your mouth water.  Enjoy!


 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Wheat Thin Fudge

(created by Sweet as Sugar Cookies)

1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 c. peanut butter
wheat thin crackers

Melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter in the microwave and stir till creamy and smooth.  Line a mini loaf pan with plastic wrap (or you could use a foil loaf pan).  Put down a layer of wheat thin crackers.  Top with one third of the chocolate peanut butter mixture.  Repeat the layers twice more, ending with the last of the chocolate mixture.  Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired.  Chill in the fridge till firm, at least 1 hour.  Remove from the pan and cut into pieces.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Sweets for a Saturday #97

1.  Turtle Cheesecake Pudding Cookies - What's Cooking Love

 


2.  Crazy Good Rice Krispie Treats - The Royal Cook



3.  Mexican Wedding Cookies - Chocolate Chocolate and More Chocolate 

 


4.  Dulce de Leche Ginger Cookies - No Empty Chairs



5.  Oreo Stuffed Pudding Cookies - Dreaming of White Chocolate


The Rules:
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  2. Please leave a link back to this post in your post or Grab My Button.
  3. Share your delicious sweets from this week. If you've made more than one during the week, feel free to link them all up.
  4. Leave me a comment telling me that you've linked up.
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Saturday, December 1, 2012

Sweets for a Saturday #96

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had tons to eat.  Speaking of eating, here's your Top 5:

1.  Coca-Cola Cake - Twirl and Taste



2.  Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls - The Royal Cook



3.  Coconut Cream Pie Bars - No Empty Chairs




 4.  Drunken Ho - Monster Mama

 


5.  Butterfinger Rice Krispie Treats - Six Sisters' Stuff


The Rules:
  1. Please link up to the URL of your post, not the URL of your main blog. When it asks for "Name", type in the name of your treat.
  2. Please leave a link back to this post in your post or Grab My Button.
  3. Share your delicious sweets from this week. If you've made more than one during the week, feel free to link them all up.
  4. Leave me a comment telling me that you've linked up.
  5. Please visit at least two others and comment on their wonderful additions to this party.



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