Take a trip to the charming streets of Charleston with these irresistible Charleston Chewies with Brown Butter, a delightful Southern dessert that combines the rich flavors of brown butter, toasted pecans, and gooey caramel, all nestled atop a chewy chocolate chip cookie base. These chewies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire, whether you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress guests at any gathering. Let’s get into the recipe and discover the magic of this decadent Southern treat! 🍪🌟🍫
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
Prepare the Cookie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookie base cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the toasted pecans until evenly coated with the caramel sauce.
Assemble the Charleston Chewies:
- Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the caramel pecan mixture evenly over the top.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the caramel topping to set.
- Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the chewies out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Cut into squares or bars using a sharp knife.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the Charleston Chewies on a serving platter and enjoy them as a delightful dessert or sweet treat.
- Store any leftover chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
Optional Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel pecan topping before it sets.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other mix-ins such as shredded coconut or chopped dried fruit to the cookie base.
To summarize, these Charleston Chewies with Brown Butter are a decadent treat that captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite. These bars, with their chewy chocolate chip cookie base and luscious caramel pecan topping, will leave you wanting more. Whether served as a dessert for a special occasion or as a sweet treat at any time of day, these Charleston Chewies are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients and prepare to experience the magic of this delicious Southern creation! 🍪🌟🍫