Chocolate Joints

Starrynews's Note:

Every year for Christmas, my great-grandmother would prepare dozens of cookies to share with the family, separating them into shoeboxes so that each family could take some home with them; thus, we began calling them the "Shoebox Cookies." She always used five of the same recipes, and tried out two new ones (including a fudge) every year. In the past few years since we lost her, I have been trying to recreate the five recipes she always used based on the recipe card notes she left with me. Last year, I was given the unanimous vote of approval from all who could remember them, and I thought I would share them as I prepare to make them again this year. Here is the Chocolate Joints recipe. Note that this recipe needs to be refrigerated overnight and refrigerated an additional hour or so before serving, time which is not accounted for in the prep/cooking time.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 dozen

• 1 cup butter , divided
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1⁄3; cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg , slightly beaten
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons dry instant vanilla pudding
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Layer 1: Combine 1 stick butter, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla extract in a pot and simmer over low heat.
2. Stir in one slightly beaten egg.
3. Cook 3 more minutes, stirring constantly and remove from heat.
4. Stir in graham cracker crumbs.
5. Press into lightly greased 8 x 8" square pan and place in refrigerator.
6. Layer 2: Cream 1 stick butter and powdered sugar.
7. Beat in milk and vanilla pudding mix.
8. Spread over first layer and refrigerate overnight.
9. The next day - Layer 3: Melt 1 T butter and chocolate chips.
10. Spread over layer 2 and chill until solid.
11. Cut into squares.
12. Keep refrigerated.

Reviews

[HokiesLady]

These turned out very well. I did follow the comments of the other poster and made sure it was refrigerated long enough before slicing. Makes a nice sweet bar cookie. Definitely not something you can eat a lot of due to the sweetness but I can see this being a huge winner on holiday cookie trays and giving away as gifts as you can cut them into a nice size and still have plenty to share. Made for Potluck Tag Game :)

[Jess4Freedom]

This was very good. I think I may not have left it in the fridge long enough because my layers came apart on some of them. Or maybe the chocolate chips were too hot when I spread them. Regardless, the bars were good. Very sweet. Made and Reviewed for Every Day Holiday Tag - Thanks! :)