Introduction
Coconut Chewies are a delightful, chewy bar cookie with a rich buttery base and the sweet nuttiness of shredded coconut. They’re soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and have a caramel-like flavor thanks to brown sugar. Perfect for potlucks, holiday trays, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea, these easy-to-make bars require simple pantry ingredients and bake up quickly. If you’re a coconut lover, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Prepare the 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, stir melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Mix dry ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold dry mixture into the wet mixture.
Add coconut:
Stir in shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Bake:
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.
Description
Coconut Chewies are soft, chewy, and slightly gooey with a toasty coconut flavor in every bite. The brown sugar gives them a subtle caramel richness, while the coconut adds both chewiness and a bit of crunch. They’re simple yet indulgent, making them a perfect sweet treat to share.
Tips and Variations
Extra flavor: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Coconut lovers: Toast half the coconut before mixing for a deeper flavor.
Chocolate twist: Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer keeping.
Serving idea: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
Correction
Some versions of this recipe cut back on sugar or butter, but doing so changes the classic chewy texture. The brown sugar–butter ratio is key to achieving the soft, caramel-like chewiness that makes these bars special.
Enjoy
Cut Coconut Chewies into squares and serve as a sweet snack, dessert bar, or even pack them into lunchboxes. Their chewy, buttery texture and coconut flavor will make them a favorite at any gathering!