Of course! “Coconut Chewies” is a fantastic name for a type of cookie or confection that is, as you said, wonderfully sweet and defined by its chewy, coconutty texture.
Here’s a deep dive into everything about Coconut Chewies, from what they are to how to make them.
What Are Coconut Chewies?
Coconut Chewies are a simple, no-fuss cookie (or sometimes a bar) that highlights the flavor and texture of coconut. They are characterized by:
· Chewy Texture: The primary goal! This comes from a high ratio of brown sugar and/or sweetened condensed milk to flour.
· Intense Coconut Flavor: They are packed with shredded or flaked coconut.
· Crispy Edges with a Soft Center: When baked correctly, they have lightly golden, crispy edges and a dense, soft, and chewy middle.
· Simple Ingredients: Typically made with just a handful of pantry staples: coconut, sugar, eggs, butter, and a small amount of flour.
They are similar to macaroons but are often flatter and chewier rather than mound-shaped and fluffy.
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A Classic Coconut Chewies Recipe
This is a standard, highly reliable recipe for deliciously chewy cookies.
Ingredients:
· 2 ¾ cups sweetened shredded coconut
· ½ cup all-purpose flour
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
· ¾ cup granulated sugar
· ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
· 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
· 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Stir in the shredded coconut until it’s evenly coated. This helps prevent the coconut from sinking to the bottom.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the whole egg, then the egg yolk, and finally the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry coconut and flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just incorporated. Do not overmix.
6. Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart as they will spread.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a deep golden brown but the centers still look soft and slightly underdone.
8. Cool: This is the most important step for chewiness! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
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Why This Recipe Works (The Science of Chew)
· Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar attracts moisture and creates a chewier, softer cookie than white sugar alone.
· Egg Yolk: The extra fat from the yolk adds richness and promotes a tender, chewy texture.
· Low Flour Ratio: There’s just enough flour to bind the ingredients without making the cookie cakey or dry.
· Slightly Underbaking: Taking them out when the centers are soft ensures they don’t dry out in the residual heat of the pan.
Variations & Ideas
Coconut Chewies are a perfect base for customization:
· Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
· Dip ‘Em: Dip the bottom of the cooled cookies in melted chocolate.
· Lime or Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of finely grated citrus zest to the dough for a tropical twist.
· Almond Extract: Substitute ½ teaspoon of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
· Toasted Coconut: Use 1 cup of toasted coconut for a deeper, nuttier flavor. (Toast coconut on a sheet pan at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn).
· Coconut Chewie Bars: Press the dough evenly into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Key to Success: Don’t Overbake!
The single most common mistake is baking them too long. For the perfect chewy texture, take them out when they still look a little wet in the center. They will finish setting up as they cool on the warm baking sheet.
Enjoy your baking! These sweet, chewy, coconut-packed treats are always a crowd-pleaser.