Peppermint Bark Shortbread Bars

Ingredients

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. butter, softened

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. peppermint extract

1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips

1/3 c. coarsely chopped peppermint candies

Preparation

Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, extending foil over edges; set aside. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips and candies in bowl. Beat at low speed until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press crumb mixture evenly onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 19-21 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Do not overbake. Immediately sprinkle crust evenly with chocolate chips; return pan to oven for one minute to melt chocolate. Spread chocolate evenly over crust; immediately sprinkle with chopped peppermint candies. Cool completely. Remove bars from pan using foil ends. Cut bars into 28 squares; cut each square in half diagonally.