Decorated Cookie Pizza

Last night, I set out to bake some chocolate chip bars for a friend's birthday and it turned into a decorated cookie pizza!  I just started with your basic chocolate chip cookie recipe and baked the dough in a 15 x 10 jelly roll pan.  I've never been much of a cookie baker.  I prefer brownies and bar cookies.  I guess, in reality, I love that everything is all in one pan and I don't have all those cookies sheets to deal with later! 

 This is just your basic chocolate chip cookie recipe that can be found on the back of any bag of chocolate chips!  I use a little less vanilla and slightly fewer chopped nuts than the recipe calls for- just a personal preference.

 Start with room temperature butter.  Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.

 Add the eggs and some vanilla. . .

 Then gradually incorporate the flour mixture (flour baking, baking soda, and salt) mixing well after each addition.

 Fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts).

 Spread dough into greased 15 x10 jelly roll pan.  Note:  I like to chill my dough in the fridge for about 10 minutes before putting into the pan.

 Bake @ 375 degrees for about 20 minuts or until light golden brown.  Cool completely!

I used my flower petal tips to create the sunflowers (#104 for the flowers and #61 for the leaves).  I just piped the chocolate centers from a Zip-loc with the corner cut from it.  I used the #7 writing tip to pipe the message.  I don't always want to take the time to get out  my cake decorating supplies but this made it so much easier to be able to practice some flowers without having to frost an entire cake.  This really took very little frosting!  I'll definitely be making one of these again!!  I might have to make one of these yummy cookie pizzas for MY birthday!!

Chocolate Chip Bars
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla (I use Double Strength Vanilla so I only use 1 tsp.)
3/4 cup(s) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter with sugar and brown sugar.  Stir in eggs and vanilla. Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips.  Spread dough into greased 15 x 10 jelly roll pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until light golden brown.