South Carolina Chews
Rich and sweet South Carolina Chews are delightful nut-filled treats with a soft, crumbly texture, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine until smooth.
- Add brown sugar and continue to cream until well combined.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in eggs, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, based on your preference. If you're looking for a lower sugar option, try substituting half of the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid clumps for a smoother batter.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy delights are perfect as a dessert on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Consider serving them alongside a drizzle of Fruit Sauce for added flavor. For a more festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving or enjoy them with a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the South Carolina Chews to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; just wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Carolina Chews contains roughly 999 calories, with 4g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1384mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, it may alter the texture slightly, making them denser. Gluten-free flour blends can also work, but ensure they contain xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.
How do I know when the chews are done baking?
Since these chews are dense, they may not brown like typical cookies. They're done when the edges are set and the center appears slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they're perfectly baked without being dry.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips can be a delicious addition. Just fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips along with the nuts. This will give your South Carolina Chews a delightful chocolatey richness that complements their chewy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).