Description
An easy no-bake cookie dressed up with holiday flavor
Ingredients
For the first layer
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups of gingersnap crumbs (I used Trader Joe’s gingersnaps)
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1 cup slivered almonds
For the second layer
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the third layer
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate squares, chopped or chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
For the first layer
- Prepared an 8-inch by 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. I buttered it just so it would stay stuck down into the pan, but it isn’t necessary.
- In a double-boiler (I use a bowl set over an inch of boiling water), combine the butter, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla extract. Stir gently until chocolate is melted and all ingredients are combined.
- Whisk in beaten egg until mixture is the consistency of hot fudge sauce.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the gingersnaps crumbs, pecans and slivered almonds.
- Spread the mixture in the bottom of the prepared pan and place in the refrigerator.
For the second layer
- Combine the butter, cornstarch, vanilla extract and heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Whip until thoroughly combined.
- Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, whisking after each addition. I sifted it directly into the mixer bowl to prevent clumps. Whisk until the mixture is the consistency of frosting.
- Add the cinnamon and whisk to combine.
- Spread the mixture on top of the first layer and return to the fridge.
For the third layer
- Wash the top of the double boiler or bowl you used in the first step and return to a boil. Add the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, butter and heavy cream and heat until chocolate is melted, stirring gently.
- Pour the final layer to the pan and smooth to cover the surface. Return to the fridge for 5 minutes before adding sprinkles as desired.
- Refrigerate for an additional 30-40 minutes for the chocolate to set, then cut into small squares. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Personally, I like these cut really small, like an inch and a half square. They’re quite rich so I recommend eating them with coffee at breakfast-time 😉