Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

Need a quick dessert?  Try these yummy cookie bites. 

1 tube (18 ounces) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Cut cookie dough in half (save one portion for another use).  With floured hands, press about 1 tablespoon of dough onto the bottom and up the sides of each of 12 ungreased miniature muffin cups.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, reshape the puffed cookie cups.

Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until blended.  Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar.  Spoon into cookie cups.  Store in the refrigerator.

Yield:  1 dozen.  Prep:  15 min.  Bake:  10 min. + cooling

Macadamia Coconut Bars

These are absolutely divine.  No one will believe that a packaged cookie mix is the main ingredient.  TIP:  Not fond of macadamia nuts?  Try pecans, walnuts, almonds or cashews

1 package (17-12) ounces sugar cookie mix
1 cup vanilla or white chips
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/4 cup flaked coconut

Prepare cookie mix according to package directions.  Stir in chips, nuts, and coconut.

Spread into a greased 13-in x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.  Cook on a wire rack for 25 minutes before cutting.  Yield:  3 dozen.

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