Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
If you dream in chewy, golden cookies bursting with Southern charm, Lowcountry Chewies are about to become your next go-to treat. Imagine the magic of buttery brown sugar, coconut, and pecans woven together with hearty oats and melty chocolate chips — each bite is a taste of cozy nostalgia. Whether you’re sharing them with family for a festive gathering or sneaking a midnight snack, these cookies deliver big Lowcountry comfort in every scrumptious mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with simple but classic ingredients, each one working together to build unmistakable chewy texture and Southern flavor. Don’t skip or skimp — every component plays a starring role in these irresistible Lowcountry Chewies!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Using real butter makes your cookies rich and moist, while softening it ensures a light, fluffy dough.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: The foundation for chewiness and that deep, caramelized flavor unique to Lowcountry Chewies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds another layer of sweetness and helps the cookies spread just enough.
- 2 large eggs: These bind all the goodness together for structure and that springy bite.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Don’t underestimate the impact of good vanilla — it rounds out every bite with aromatic warmth.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for the chewy, yet tender, texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives your cookies just the right lift for a chewy middle and crisp edges.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and sharpens all the sweet flavors.
- 2 cups quick oats: The secret to hearty, toothsome chewiness — make sure they’re quick and not old-fashioned!
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Brings sweet, toasty flavor with a delightfully chewy bite.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds Southern flair and a buttery crunch in every mouthful.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For hits of melty, chocolatey bliss in every cookie.
How to Make Lowcountry Chewies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), a crucial step for that perfect bake. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper — not only does this prevent sticking, but it makes clean-up a breeze and gives your Lowcountry Chewies those gorgeous, even bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and use either a handheld mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to beat together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Don’t rush this part! Cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy — this is the secret for cookies with the softest crumb and just the right amount of spread.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated before cracking in the next. Drizzle in the vanilla extract for a heavenly aroma. Your dough should look thick and creamy, with a luscious, caramel hue.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps disperse the baking soda and salt so every bite is just right — no pockets of bitterness or missed flavor here!
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, about a third at a time. Mix on low or by hand until just combined — don’t overdo it, or your Lowcountry Chewies could turn tough instead of chewy.
Step 6: Add Chewy Mix-Ins
Now it’s time for the best part: stir in your quick oats, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Fold gently until everything is evenly distributed so every Lowcountry Chewie is bursting with flavor and texture.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, setting them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked — that’s what gives them their signature chewiness!
Step 8: Cool to Perfection
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to move. Then transfer your Lowcountry Chewies to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can resist them that long!).
How to Serve Lowcountry Chewies

Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Lowcountry Chewies, try a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking — it brings out the caramelized, nutty flavors beautifully. Or, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for a bakery-worthy finish!
Side Dishes
These cookies shine with a cold glass of milk, but don’t stop there. Try them alongside fresh strawberries, a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, or even paired with a tangy lemon sorbet for a playful sweet-and-tart combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dessert into an event! Stack your Lowcountry Chewies and tie them with rustic twine for a sweet gift, or sandwich a scoop of peach or coconut ice cream between two cookies for a decadent Southern ice cream sandwich. They also look gorgeous piled high on a vintage cake stand at a party or picnic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lowcountry Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully chewy for up to one week — if they last that long! Slip in a slice of bread with the cookies to help maintain softness.
Freezing
For longer storage, pop cooled cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment between stacks. They can freeze happily for up to three months. For fresh-baked flavor, you can also freeze dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Want that just-baked magic again? Warm Lowcountry Chewies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes, or zap them in the microwave for 10 seconds. This revives their gooey centers and will fill your kitchen with that irresistible Southern bakery aroma!
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
While you can, old-fashioned oats give the cookies a chunkier, less uniform texture. For classic Lowcountry Chewies, stick with quick oats for that signature chewy consistency.
How can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the pecans or swap them for more oats or coconut. You’ll still have fantastic flavor and plenty of texture.
What’s the secret to making the chewiest Lowcountry Chewies?
It’s all about slightly underbaking them and letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a rack. This locks in moisture for that perfect chew.
Can I substitute other mix-ins for chocolate chips?
Definitely — try butterscotch chips, white chocolate, or even a handful of dried cranberries or cherries. Feel free to get creative to suit your cravings.
Are Lowcountry Chewies good for gifting?
Yes! They travel beautifully and keep well, making them perfect for sharing at bake sales, potlucks, or wrapped up as a heartfelt homemade gift for friends and family.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tasted the Southern tradition of Lowcountry Chewies before, there’s no better time than now! These cookies are simple, nostalgic, and utterly addictive — a bite of sweet comfort you’ll want to bake on repeat. Whip up a batch and spread the chewy joy with everyone you love!
Print
Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lowcountry Chewies are deliciously chewy oatmeal cookies packed with coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. These Southern treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Mix-Ins:
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Stir in Mix-Ins: Add oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips and mix well.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake.
- Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg