These Best Charleston Chewies Recipe with Brown Butter are a delicious twist on the classic recipe. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter adds a depth of flavor that makes these chewy, buttery squares even more irresistible. Perfect for gatherings, or just a treat for yourself, these chewies are bound to become a favorite!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the brown butter and stir until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the Charleston Chewies cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and cut into squares.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Nuts: I love adding chopped pecans for an extra crunch, but you can also use walnuts, almonds, or leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
Coconut: If you’re not a fan of shredded coconut, you can replace it with chocolate chips for a different flavor combination.
Gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
These Charleston Chewies store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For reheating, I recommend microwaving them for about 10-15 seconds to soften them up, or you can eat them straight from the fridge if you enjoy them chilled!
FAQs
How do I know when my Charleston Chewies are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set. Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! I like to make these a day ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for a few days.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
I recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe, as it gives you more control over the salt content. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the added salt in the recipe.
Can I freeze Charleston Chewies?
Yes! These Charleston Chewies freeze really well. Just cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Can I leave out the powdered sugar dusting?
Yes, the powdered sugar is optional. I sometimes skip it, depending on how sweet I want the dessert to be, but it does add a nice touch of sweetness and presentation if you decide to include it.
Conclusion
This Charleston Chewies recipe with brown butter is the perfect balance of buttery, chewy goodness with a hint of nuttiness from the brown butter. It's an easy yet decadent dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you enjoy it as an after-dinner treat or bring it to a party, it's a crowd-pleaser every time!
Recipe:
Best Charleston Chewies Recipe with Brown Butter
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Charleston Chewies with brown butter take the classic treat to the next level, adding a rich, nutty depth of flavor that’s irresistible. With a chewy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness from brown sugar and coconut, this easy dessert is sure to become a favorite. Perfect for parties or simply as a treat for yourself, these squares are buttery, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
-
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the brown butter and stir until smooth.
-
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans (if using).
-
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
-
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
-
Allow the Charleston Chewies to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then cut into squares.
Notes
Nuts: You can use walnuts, almonds, or leave out the pecans if you prefer a nut-free version.
Coconut: For a different twist, substitute shredded coconut with chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Storage: These Charleston Chewies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
