Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet treat that encapsulates Southern charm in every bite, Lowcountry Chewies are just what your dessert lineup needs. These golden, chewy bar cookies are packed with rich brown sugar flavor and a hint of vanilla, making them irresistible to cookie-lovers and brownie fans alike. Whether you’re indulging in a quiet evening at home or sharing with a crowd, Lowcountry Chewies offer a nostalgic, buttery taste of the South with every delicious, crumbly square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lowcountry Chewies is in their simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each one contributes to the luscious texture, warm flavor, or tempting aroma that makes these bars unforgettable.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Melted butter gives these bars their signature richness and keeps them perfectly soft and chewy.
- Light Brown Sugar (2 cups, packed): The secret to that classic caramel note and moist texture—don’t be shy when packing it in.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients, ensuring every square holds together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and perfectly enhances the brown sugar—make sure to use quality vanilla if you can.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The base of the batter; sift it for an extra tender crumb.
- Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Gives just a hint of lift, keeping the bars dense-but-not-heavy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth in all those toasty flavors.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup, optional): For crunch and a little Southern flair; toast them lightly beforehand for extra flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional): A final, elegant finish that gives the bars that old-fashioned bakery look.
How to Make Lowcountry Chewies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start out by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting later. This step ensures your Lowcountry Chewies pop out perfectly, no scraping or crumbling required.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Brown Sugar
Combine your melted butter and packed brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is silky-smooth and has cooled a bit—this brief cool down keeps your eggs from scrambling and ensures a glossy batter.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This gives your batter a gorgeous color and that signature custardy chewiness. Take a moment to enjoy that brown sugar aroma wafting up—pure Southern comfort!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them first means the leavening and salt get evenly distributed, giving your Lowcountry Chewies consistent texture and taste throughout.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If you’re feeling nutty, now’s the time to fold in those chopped pecans. Don’t over-mix; you want tender bars, not dense ones!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the top is a lovely golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a little crumb is perfect!). Underbaking slightly ensures that perfect chewy center.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let your Lowcountry Chewies cool completely in the pan—tough as it may be to wait. Dust with a flurry of powdered sugar if desired, then slice into squares. Bask in the ooohs and ahhhs destined to follow!
How to Serve Lowcountry Chewies
Garnishes
A light sift of powdered sugar across the top creates a snowy, bakery-style effect that makes each bite even sweeter. To dress them up further, try a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate, a scattering of extra chopped pecans, or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast.
Side Dishes
Lowcountry Chewies shine beside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream if you’re feeling decadent. For a refreshing twist, add a bowl of fresh berries or macerated peaches—Southern fruit meets Southern bars!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Lowcountry Chewies into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties, or layer them parfait-style in shot glasses with whipped cream and berries. Stack squares high and tie with baker’s twine for the cutest edible gifts, or serve them as dessert “sliders” at a brunch buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lowcountry Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The airtight seal preserves their signature chew and keeps them from drying out—making sure you still get that soft, rich bite, even days later.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze Lowcountry Chewies. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste freshly baked!
Reheating
If you like that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, just microwave a square for ten seconds or pop a tray in a low oven for a minute or two. This little trick revives their wonderful chewiness, especially if you add a scoop of ice cream alongside!
FAQs
Can I make Lowcountry Chewies without pecans?
Absolutely! The pecans are traditional, but skipping them won’t take away from the classic flavor or addictively chewy texture. These bars are just as delightful nut-free.
What’s the difference between Lowcountry Chewies and blondies?
While both treats offer a rich, chewy bite, Lowcountry Chewies lean much more heavily on brown sugar and are famous for their distinct caramel flavor and crumbly, tender chew. They’re essentially a beloved regional twist on the blondie.
Can I add mix-ins like white chocolate chips or dried fruit?
Definitely! White chocolate chunks, butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of cinnamon take Lowcountry Chewies to another level. Just don’t overload the batter to keep the classic texture front and center.
Why are my bars dry or cakey?
The most common culprit is overbaking. Remove your pan as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Also, be careful not to over-mix the batter once you’ve combined wet and dry ingredients.
Can I half or double the recipe?
Absolutely! Halve the recipe for an 8×8-inch pan, or double it and use two pans for a party. Just keep an eye on the baking time; thinner or thicker layers may need a minute or two more or less in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Lowcountry Chewies are a beloved classic across generations—they’re unfussy, full of flavor, and bring a little Southern cheer to any table. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share your new favorite treat with friends and family. Just be warned: once you try them, these chewy wonders might become a permanent part of your dessert rotation!
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Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lowcountry Chewies are delightful chewy bar cookies with a rich brown sugar flavor. These Southern treats are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in pecans if using.
- Bake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 28-32 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Lowcountry Chewies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days.
- For added richness, consider adding white chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
