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Paula Deen’s Brown Sugar Chewies: A Southern Comfort Classic

The first time I tasted these Brown Sugar Chewies, I was at a potluck in Savannah, Georgia. The air hung thick with humidity, cicadas buzzed a lazy rhythm, and a table groaned under the weight of Southern delicacies. Amidst the shrimp and grits and collard greens, these unassuming squares caught my eye. One bite – that deeply caramelized brown sugar flavor, the satisfying chew, the nutty crunch of pecans – and I was hooked. They tasted like pure Southern sunshine and simple, heartfelt baking. Instantly, I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 9
Yield: 9 squares
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Equipment Needed

8-inch square baking pan
Small saucepan
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Vegetable oil cooking spray
Sifter or fine-mesh sieve

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
Prepare your 8-inch square pan by lightly spraying it with vegetable oil cooking spray. This will prevent the Chewies from sticking and make them easier to remove after baking. A little extra spray in the corners is always a good idea.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Watch it carefully to prevent it from browning or burning.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the packed light brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Make sure to break up any lumps of brown sugar for a consistent texture.
Stir in the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the Chewies rise properly.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the brown sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough Chewies.
Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, while the pecans add a delightful crunch.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
Allow the Chewies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Once cooled, dust the top with a sifting of confectioners’ sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful presentation.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard Chewies. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Brown Sugar is Key: The brown sugar is the star of this recipe. Using fresh, moist brown sugar will give you the best flavor and texture. If your brown sugar is hard, you can soften it by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel for a few seconds.
Pecan Prep: Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter will intensify their flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Even Baking: If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
Clean Cuts: For neat, clean squares, use a sharp knife to cut the Chewies. Running the knife under hot water and wiping it dry between cuts can also help.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Brown Sugar Chewies are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They make a great addition to any dessert platter, or can be enjoyed as a simple afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

To store, place the cooled Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	205.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	71 g	35%
Total Fat	7.9 g	12%
Saturated Fat	3.6 g	18%
Cholesterol	34.2 mg	11%
Sodium	100.3 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	32.5 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	23.9 g	N/A
Protein	2.1 g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Walnut Chewies: Substitute the pecans with chopped walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Chocolate Chip Chewies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Spiced Chewies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Gluten-Free Chewies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to achieve the right consistency.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What makes these Chewies so chewy?
A: The high proportion of brown sugar and the gentle baking time create a soft, chewy texture. Brown sugar contains molasses, which helps to retain moisture.

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can use dark brown sugar for a richer, more intense molasses flavor. However, the Chewies will be slightly darker in color.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Chewies can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: What is the best way to dust the Chewies with confectioners’ sugar?
A: Use a sifter or fine-mesh sieve to evenly distribute the confectioners’ sugar over the top of the cooled Chewies. This will prevent clumps and create a light, delicate coating.

Q: Can I freeze the batter for later use?
A: While you can freeze the baked Chewies, freezing the batter is not recommended. The baking powder may lose its potency, resulting in flat, dense Chewies.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Brown Sugar Chewies are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of Southern hospitality and simple pleasures. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make them your own. And most importantly, share them with the people you love! They pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of sweet tea. Enjoy!

Paula Deen’s Brown Sugar Chewies Recipe