Toffee Nut Bars

This chocolate bar cookie has a wonderful caramel flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned in and leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup (1 1/3 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly firm
• 2 cups lightly packed very fresh light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons medium-fine chopped walnuts, divided
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Position the rack in the center of the oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 10 x 15-inch jellyroll pan well.
2. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter until lightened in color.
4. Add brown sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, and beat well until light in color, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the side of the bowl as needed.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla extract.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients in three additions, mixing just to incorporate.
7. Remove the bowl from the mixer; using a large rubber spatula, fold in 1 cup of the walnuts and the chocolate chips.
8. Spread the mixture in the pan, smoothing the top with a small spatula.
9. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons walnuts.
10. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the sides are lightly browned. Do not over-bake.
11. A wooden pick inserted in the center should still show signs of moistness.
12. Place on a cooling rack for 1 hour, then cut into 1 3/4 x 2 inch squares.