Tom Thumb Chewies
Chewy, nutty treats with coconut and caramel notes, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy rich, sweet, and crunchy desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking dish as needed.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar.
- Stir in 1 cup sifted flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined.
- Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 1 cup coconut; mix thoroughly.
- Beat in 2 eggs until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish and bake until set and golden.
- Allow to cool, then cut into small squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. You can also swap out the coconut for dried cranberries or raisins for a different taste. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chewy treats warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a more festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top. These also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other favorites like Gramp'S Farm Banana Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Tom Thumb Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom Thumb Chewies contains roughly 942 calories, with 8g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% 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 make these chewies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients, like baking powder and vanilla, are also gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is suitable.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg. This will maintain the moisture and binding needed in the recipe.
How do I know when the chewies are done baking?
The chewies are done when they are set in the center and have a light golden color around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, with just a few crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
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).