Panforte Bars

Since it's getting close to that festive time of the year when we give others yummy treats because we love them, I thought I'd post a few of my favorites. This recipe is one of the easiest things you'll ever make, but they get rave reviews from everyone who tries them. Enjoy and bask in the compliments!

18 ounces refrigerated sugar cookie dough
10-12 ounce can mixed nuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup baking chips in your preferred flavor (I've used butterscotch, chocolate, pb and a mix of whatever was left in the bags)
1/2 cup mixed dried fruit bits, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Lightly grease a 9x9 baking dish; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, stir cookie dough with a wooden spoon until soft. Add nuts, baking chips, and dried fruit. Stir until well mixed, using your hands if necessary. Pat dough evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle coconut over the top, pressing in lightly.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Cool completely in the pan. Cut into bars. Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Makes about 32 bars.