Treasure Chest Bars

Adapted from Pillsbury Christmas 2008 Cookbook

Prep: 30 min.
Ready in: 2 hours
Serves: approx. 25-30 bars

BARS:

- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- dash of salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 3 ounces milk chocolate 
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (the original recipe calls for 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained & halved)
- 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts

FROSTING:

- 1/4 cup butter 
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

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1. Heat oven to 350.  Grease 15x10 inch pan with butter or non-stick spray.  In large bowl, beat all bar ingredients except chocolate, fruit and nuts with electric mixer on medium speed, until smooth.  With spoon, stir in chocolate, fruit and nuts.  Spread evenly in pan.

2.  Bake 25-30 minutes or until light golden brown. 

Meanwhile, in saucepan, heat 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until light golden brown.  Remove from heat.  Stir in powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla.  Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons milk until frosting is smooth and spreadable.

3.  Quickly spread frosting over warm pastry.  Cool completely, about 1 hour.  Cut into bars.