Chocolate-Shortbread Blondies with Macaroon Topping

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with heavy foil, extending the foil over edges of pan. Grease foil; set pan aside. For crust, in a medium bowl stir together 1-1/2 cups of the flour, the granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Using a pastry blender, cut in 1 cup of the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chocolate pieces. Press mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake about 8 minutes or until set. Prepare Macaroon Topping; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan cook and stir brown sugar and the remaining 2/3 cup butter over medium heat until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Cool slightly. Add eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon after each addition just until combined. Stir in vanilla. Stir in the remaining 2 cups flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir in cashews.
3. Pour batter over crust, spreading evenly. Spoon Macaroon Topping over batter; carefully spread to edges of pan. Bake for 32 to 34 minutes or until topping is light brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with melted milk chocolate. Using the edges of the foil, lift uncut bars out of pan. Cut into bars.