Chai Latte Bar Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 teas. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teas. baking powder
1/2 teas. salt
1 teas. ground ginger
1 teas. ground cardamom
1/4 teas. ground allspice
1 cup white chocolate chips

Marble cream cheese layer ingredients:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk or half and half
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 teas. vanilla extract

Confectioner's sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter, eggs, brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended, light and fluffy. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cardamom, and allspice and mix until well blended. Stir in white chocolate chips. Spread into lightly greased 9 x 13 baking pan. In a clean bowl, mix together the cream cheese, milk, confectioner's sugar, and ½ teas. vanilla extract. Spoon or carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the bottom cookie layer in the pan. Use a spatula or dinner knife to swirl the cream cheese into the bottom layer, similar to making a marble design. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes until cookies start to turn golden brown around the pan edges and the center is set. Cool and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Cut into squares. Makes 20 squares.

The inspiration for this cookie is Starbucks' Chai tea latte. Using similar spices and white chocolate chips for a creamy flavor, this recipe duplicates the charming spicy tea blend.