Sometimes, we just need something sweet. Whether it’s a chocolate craving or the perfect snack to turn around a bad day, we all have the right to a special recipe that is quick, easy and will get the job done.

Sure, if you have brownie mix around, that is always a fine way to fulfill a dessert craving, but if you need something a little more exciting, I can promise you my great grandmother’s recipe for toffee squares is even better.

I always find myself going back to this recipe because it is so easy and delicious. It is the perfect pick-me-up on a bad day, and it is so simple that I don’t remember a time when I haven’t had all of the ingredients. Let’s just say I make this recipe a lot when I find my kitchen lacking in the junk food department.

I can’t tell you how often I find myself needing to make something for a bake sale, team dinner or to thank someone for helping me. Don’t get me wrong, I love to bake and try new recipes, but I don’t always have the time, especially now that the school year is officially in motion.

I promise you this recipe will help you make something wonderful and delicious, without taking up your time and causing you stress. Give it a try, and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Toffee Squares

Preheat over to 350 degrees

Ingredients

-1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter
-1 cup light brown sugar
-1 egg yolk
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-2 cups all-purpose flour
-8 ounces milk chocolate (Bars work best. Chocolate chips work, but they tend to be hard to spread.)
-1/2 cup chopped nuts (This is optional, but if you like nuts, I find walnuts work best for this recipe. They’ll taste better if you toast them in a dry skillet.)

Start by melting two sticks of butter in the microwave or on the stove. Add brown sugar, vanilla and stir. It’s okay if it doesn’t seem like all of the butter and vanilla are absorbed.

Separate an egg by cracking the shell relatively in the middle. Use each half of the egg shell to pass the yolk back and forth, while letting the egg white fall into a separate bowl. You can throw out the egg white or store it in the fridge to use for another recipe. Lightly beat the egg yolk with a fork and add it to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir the mixture right away to prevent the egg from scrambling due to the heat of the butter. Add the salt and flour and stir.

Lay the dough in a 13×9 inch baking dish, using your hands to flatten it out. (Make sure they’re clean!) Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.

Immediately add chocolate to toffee squares. Once the chocolate starts to melt, use a spatula or knife to smooth it out. If you choose to add nuts, do it while the chocolate is still warm so they will stick. Cut the bars into squares while they’re still warm. Let the bars cool, serve and enjoy!