White Chocolate Blondies with Chocolate Covered Cocoa Beans

Over the Easter weekend, I was in Salt Lake City with my family.  We were there for my little brother's wedding, and to spend time with the rest of my family.  While we were there, we went to the Natural History Museum and saw the Chocolate Exhibit.  On the way out I picked up some chocolate covered cocoa beans at the gift shop.  I was so excited because I haven't been able to find cocoa beans!  These beans were covered in dark chocolate, so they were quite dark and a bit bitter tasting.  I decided that they would be perfect in a sweet blondie.  I chose the recipe I found here, and modified it just a touch.

White Chocolate Blondies with Chocolate Covered Cocoa Beans

1/2 cup butter
5 ounces white chocolate, chopped (use white baking chocolate, not chips)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped chocolate covered cocoa beans

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Spray a 9x9 inch square baking pan with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper, leaving the edges hanging over the sides (for handles), then lightly spray the parchment.  Set aside.

In a large microwaveable bowl, place the butter and the white chocolate.  Heat in the microwave at 15 second intervals, stirring after each until the butter and white chocolate are melted and smooth.  Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined (the mixture will look "gross" as my Hungry Puppies told me.  The oil will separate from the sugar - this is normal.  It will come back together when you add the eggs).  Stir in the eggs and vanilla until completely incorporated. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir until almost blended.  Add the chopped chocolate covered cocoa beans and stir until evenly distributed.

Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.  Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.  Remove the blondies from the oven and let cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and chill until cold.  Remove the blondies from the refrigerator and remove from the pan using the parchment as handles.  Cut into squares and serve.  Makes 16 blondies.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy