Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars

Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars

* 1 cup butter, softened

* 2 cups packed brown sugar

* 2 large eggs

* 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

* 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 teaspoons baking powder

* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

* 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped pecans, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, spices and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Spread into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.

Mix topping ingredients; sprinkle over top. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until set and golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: about 1-1/2 dozen bars.