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Butterscotch Chewies
About This Recipe
Butterscotch Chewies are soft, tender dessert bars with a warm caramel-like flavor created from brown sugar and butter. These chewy treats are incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for quick baking sessions, family gatherings, bake sales, or casual snacks at home. The texture is rich and comforting: golden edges with a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth. Unlike complicated desserts, these bars rely on basic pantry staples and a straightforward mixing method, which makes them ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
The deep butterscotch taste develops naturally as the brown sugar blends with the warm melted butter. No candy thermometer, no long prep time, and no frosting are needed. Everything comes together with a whisk, a bowl, and a baking pan. These bars are the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic, reminding many people of classic homemade treats enjoyed during childhood or family holidays.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect if you love rich desserts without complicated steps. The ingredients are affordable, accessible, and likely already in your kitchen. You only need a few minutes to mix everything together, and the bars bake quickly. The final result is a dessert that stays soft for days and pairs wonderfully with coffee, milk, or even ice cream.
Another reason to love these chewies is their versatility. You can keep them plain for a classic flavor, or enhance them with nuts, white chocolate, cinnamon, or butterscotch chips. Their simplicity also makes them an excellent base for creative variations.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. Using parchment paper helps remove the bars easily after baking, and it prevents the edges from sticking.
2. Melt the Butter
Place the butter in a small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl. Melt it gently until fully liquid. Allow the melted butter to cool for a minute or two; it should still be warm but not hot. Very hot butter can cook the egg prematurely when mixed.
3. Combine Butter and Brown Sugar
Pour the melted butter into a medium bowl and add the packed brown sugar. Stir with a whisk or spoon until smooth. This step is essential for achieving the chewy texture, as blending the sugar and butter properly creates the base for the bars’ consistency.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and whisk until the batter becomes glossy and uniform. Then add the vanilla extract. This adds depth and warmth to the butterscotch flavor.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold gently using a spatula. Stop as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of chewy.
6. Spread and Bake
Scoop the thick batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the surface is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted near the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely dry. This is the key to getting that perfect chewy texture.
7. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing. Cutting them while warm can make them crumble. Once cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles. The chewiness improves even more after they rest for an hour.
FAQ
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Walnuts, pecans, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips all work well. Add up to 1/2 cup to avoid altering the texture.
Why did my bars turn out dry?
They were likely overbaked. Remove them from the oven as soon as the center sets and the edges turn golden.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time will increase slightly.
Can I use light brown sugar?
Yes. Light brown sugar works fine, though dark brown sugar will give a richer butterscotch flavor.
Tips for Best Results
• Always use fresh, moist brown sugar for maximum chewiness.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added — this keeps the bars tender.
• For deeper flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the batter.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
• Use parchment paper to lift the bars out easily.
Storage
Store your Butterscotch Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them extra soft, place a small piece of bread inside the container — the bread helps maintain moisture. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually for easy thaw-and-eat snacks.
These Butterscotch Chewies are simple to prepare, wonderfully chewy, and full of buttery sweetness. They’re perfect for dessert platters, lunchbox treats, or anytime you want a homemade dessert with comforting flavor and minimal effort.