Cookie Recipe: Toffee Topped Bars

Toffee Topped Bars
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened1 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp salt1 tsp vanilla extract1 cup milk1 egg1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips1/2 cup chopped walnuts1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the brown sugar and flour.Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Remove 1 cup of mixture and set aside.
To mixture in large bowl, add baking powder and salt. Using a fork, lightly beat in vanilla, milk and egg.
Continue beating until a smooth batter forms. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips and walnuts. Fold in the coconut.
Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over top of batter in pan. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and walnuts.
Using a long flat spatula, spread topping evenly over the top of the batter in pan.
Bake bars for 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in center comes out clean.
Transfer pan to a wire rack. Cook bars in pan completely before slicing.
Using a serrated knife, cut into 24 bars. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.