TWD: Chewy Chunky Blondies

The time for the chewy, chunky blondies for Tuesdays with Dorie has finally come.  I've wondered about this recipe for a while, but I'm not sure why I hadn't just tried it before now.

These were the pick of Nicole over at Cookies on Friday, which is where you can find the recipe.

The original recipe calls for chocolate, butterscotch of toffee bits, walnuts and coconut.  I opted to make homemade toffee bits (recipe below) and use pecans. They turned out really great, but were quite gooey when they were warm.

Don't forget to visit the TWD Blogroll for more blondies!

Homemade Toffee Chips

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cream
1 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Line a baking sheet with parchment or buttered foil and set aside.

In a heavy saucepan combine the sugars and cream and bring to a boil. Cook on medium heat to softball stage (a  drop of the mixture in a glass of ice water will make a 'soft ball') (238 degrees F). Add the butter and vanilla and stir. Continue cooking until hardball (a drop of the mixture in a glass of ice water will make a 'hard ball') stage (245 degrees F).

Pour the mixture onto the lined baking sheet and set aside to cool and harden.  Once it is cooled, break into bits and use in cookies, cakes, baking, as ice cream topping, or whatever your little heart desires.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.