Raspberry Filled Cookie Bars

Instructions

1. To prepare the filling
2. Prepare the filling before the dough so that it can cool down before being used.
3. To a small pot, add the raspberries, water and sugar. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Dissolve the corn Starch in the additional 1/4 cup water.
5. Add slowly to the boiling raspberry mixture mixture, stirring constantly.
6. Cook for another few minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes the consistency of pie filling.
7. Remove from heat and transfer to a glass bowl to cool. Cool for at least a half hour, stirring it ever few minutes before using it to fill the cookie bars.
8. To prepare the cookie dough
9. Cream the butter sugar well.
10. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
11. Sift together the flour and baking powder and fold into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms.
12. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
13. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with plastic wrap and press one half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. Lift the flattened dough out onto a cookie sheet, still keeping it on the plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
14. Lightly grease the 9x9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookie bars when they are baked.
15. Press the other half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the parchment lined pan. I use the back of a tablespoon to smooth it out evenly.
16. Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the base layer.
17. Take the dough square from the fridge and flip it onto the filling layer. Peel off the plastic wrap and press down lightly on the dough with the backs of your fingers to release any air pockets trapped under the dough.
18. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25-35 minutes until lightly golden brown on top.
19. Cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.