Classic Tom Thumb Bars Recipe: An Old-fashioned Chewy Coconut Toffee Cookie Bar Recipe From the 1930s by Chef Gigi

This Tom Thumb cookie bar recipe is nostalgic and said to be from the 1930s and 40s, and it has been handed down through the generations in my family. The combination of a flaky, buttery crust combined with the chewy coconut filling makes for an irresistible dessert.

Frost this coconut toffee bars recipe with chocolate ganache as an elevated option. Who could resist this decadent cookie? 

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: Makes approximately 36

Ingredients

Crust

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Filling

• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 eggs

Frosting (Optional)

• chocolate ganache

Here's how to make it: 

1. For the crust, in a medium-sized bowl, mix together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the flour and salt until well blended. Press into a 13x9-inch baking pan that's been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 325-degree F oven for 15 minutes or until slightly browned. After removing the crust from the oven, increase the heat to 350 degrees F. 
2. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer combine the brown sugar, baking powder and flour until well blended. Mix in eggs and vanilla, beating until thick and foamy. Fold in the coconut and chopped nuts.
3. Spread the filling over the warm crust. Bake for 25 minutes or until bars are lightly browned and puffy. Cool completely. 
4. Spread with thick chocolate ganache, if desired, and cut into bars.  

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