Dark Chocolate Coconut Blondies

Chocolate and toasted coconut stuffed inside chewy blondies, could any dessert possibly make me happier? For the moment, not a chance.  These just plain make me happy. Unless you are a coconut hater (completely inconceivable to me!), you will probably adore these bars. I cut them very small, so that I feel less guilt going back into the kitchen for repeated tastings. Plus, they are pretty rich. Smaller servings is a great idea for that reason as well.

Dark Chocolate Coconut Blondies

8 ounces butter - melted
2 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups coconut, plus another 1/2 cup for topping
1 2/3 cups dark or bittersweet chocolate chips (semi-sweet works great as well)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together the flour and salt and set aside. Whisk the wet ingredients together and slowly add the flour mixture. Stir in the coconut and chocolate chips.

Scrape the batter into a well-greased 9x13 pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle additional coconut on top. Bake for 28 minutes, or until the bars are lightly browned around the edges and set in the middle. Cool slightly before serving.

* Cool completely before cutting them into bars if you will not be eating them immediately. These bars freeze beautifully. I would love to keep a batch in the freezer for unexpected company. I say "would" love to, because in all honestly, I have to admit that I can't stay out of them myself. So, keeping them in the freezer is just not safe for me!

 Click here for printable recipe.