Grandma's Christmas Cookie Recipe: Pecan Raisin Bars

Perhaps my Grandma's Raisin Date Bars recipe seemed like too much work to you?  If so, then you might want to try her easy southern cookie version with an almost praline-topping instead.  Get the kids involved too with the stirring and pressing steps, if desired.  

If you want to make this a giant cookie for a friend or your sweetie, you might try making it in round or heart shape cake pans with pastry parchment paper on bottom of each pan.  The parchment should make it easier to remove it so it remains a giant cookie after it cools.

I'm looking for better photo! If you bake either raisin cookie bar, please consider sharing photos and your family's review of the chosen version in the comments of the associated recipe post.  Thanks!  

Pecan Raisin Bars Recipe 

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Bar Crust Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
2/3 cup margarine (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 egg

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix sugar, margarine, vanilla and egg. 
3. Press dough into ungreased cookie pan with sides
4. Bake until edges are light brown, about 15 minutes.

Fruit and Nut Topping

Ingredients:

3 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
1/4 cup Grandma's molasses 
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 cup seedless raisins
1 cup chopped pecans 

Steps:

1. Beat eggs, sugar, syrup, molasses, and vanilla.
2. Stir in pecans and raisins.
3. Pour over crust.
4. Bake until set, 35-35 minutes.
5. Cool completely.
6. Loosen edges from sides of pan.  Cut into 2 x 1 1/2 inch bars.