Kentucky Derby Pie Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Directions

Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish

To make the cookie crust

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.

Add eggs.

Gradually beat in flour mixture.

Add the water. Beat to combine. S

tir in chocolate chips.

Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

While the crust bakes makes the filling

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, flour, salt, and bourbon and continue to mix until well combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.

Pour batter over the cookies crust.

Bake until filling is set and the top is light golden brown, about 45 minutes. If the top starts to get too brown cover it with foil.

Allow bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

While the bars cool make the bourbon sauce

Whisk together the heavy cream, bourbon, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once it begins to boil watch closely and whisk until the mixture starts to smell like caramel and turn a golden color, and then to a light brown. This will take about 5-6 minutes.

When you see that it has started to turn brown, slowly pour in the heavy cream mixture, whisking constantly and quickly.

Continue to heat over medium-high until mixture has thickened and is a light caramel color, about 5 minutes more (dont let it get too thick, it will thicken as it sits).

Remove from the heat.