Caramel Christmas Cookies

These spicy bar cookies are made with caramel, toffee, or butterscotch chips, plus macadamia nuts, and a little rum. (If you prefer not to use rum, substitute apple juice.)

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• pinch of salt
• 2/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons rum
• 2/3 cup caramel chips (or toffee, or butterscotch)
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts

Directions:

Butter a 9 x 9-inch baking pan. Thoroughly stir together the flour, spices, sugar and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat together shortening and eggs until creamy. Beat in milk and rum. Gradually stir flour mixture into egg mixture. Stir in chips and nuts. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cookies start to pull from the sides of the pan. Allow to cool to room temperature and cut into 24 bars.

Number of Servings: 24

Notes from the Cook: Good Cookies for Christmas Exchanges!