Cosmo Cocktail Cookie Bars

These cookies bars marry the orange, lime and cranberry flavors of the popular Cosmopolitan cocktail with the classic lemon bar. A rich shortbread crust with a hint of lime is topped with a cranberry curd. 

 Makes 36 servings.

2 1/4 cups flour, divided

2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon finely shredded lime peel

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold butter, cut into pieces

4 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 can (6 ounces) frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed

1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Orange Extract

1 tablespoon vodka (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix 2 cups of the flour, confectioners’ sugar, lime peel and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resemble coarse crumbs. Press mixture evenly into greased foil-lined 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake 20 minutes or until edges of crust are golden brown.  

2. Meanwhile, mix eggs, granulated sugar, cranberry juice concentrate, remaining 1/4 cup flour, extract and vodka in large bowl until well blended. Pour evenly over hot crust. 

3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until filling is set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar and finely shredded lime peel. Cut into bars.

Test Kitchen Tip: Line pan with foil with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Use foil handles to remove baked dessert from pan. Place on cutting board and cut into bars.

Recipe Source: http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Desserts/Cosmo-Cocktail-Cookie-Bars.aspx