Coconut Chewies: Soft, Buttery Dessert Bars You’ll Want to Make Again

By Lilo On Jul 5, 2025

Coconut Chewies: The Buttery, Chewy Coconut Bars Everyone’s Talking About

If you love desserts that are chewy, sweet, and packed with coconut flavor, Coconut Chewies might just become your new baking obsession. These bars offer a perfect blend of soft, dense texture with the deep sweetness of brown sugar and the nutty charm of shredded coconut. Best part? They’re incredibly simple to make.

What Makes Coconut Chewies So Irresistible?

These bars aren’t just another sweet snack. They’re soft, rich, and filled with comforting flavor. The browned butter adds a nutty depth, while the coconut gives a tropical edge. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, serving them at a family gathering, or making a midweek treat just because — Coconut Chewies never disappoint.

“Coconut Chewies are more than just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic bite of comfort.”

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Brown the Butter

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Keep it on the heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns amber and smells nutty. This step adds an incredible toasted flavor. Remove from heat once it’s browned.

3. Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

While the butter is still warm, stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.

“While the butter is still warm, stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.”

4. Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly combine this with the wet mixture, stirring just enough to bring everything together. Overmixing can make the bars tough.

5. Fold in Coconut

Gently fold in the shredded coconut, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

6. Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

“If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.”

7. Cool and Slice

Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner edges, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder is active for the best texture.
Customize It: Try mixing in chopped pecans, white chocolate chips, or dried pineapple for extra flair.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 2–3 days at room temp, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutritional Info (Per Bar)

Calories: ~250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 25g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients you use.

Final Thoughts

Coconut Chewies are the kind of dessert that turns a regular day into a cozy one. Rich, chewy, and coconut-kissed, these bars are easy to whip up and even easier to love. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every single time.