Chewies, as the name suggests, are treats that delight with their soft, chewy texture. Whether you know them as cookies, candy, or snack bars, chewies are a versatile category of sweets that have captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. But what exactly are chewies? Where did they come from, and how can you make them at home? This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the history of chewies, explore the different varieties available, and provide you with tips and recipes to enjoy them to the fullest.
What Are Chewies?
Chewies refer to a broad range of sweets characterized by their soft, chewy texture. The term “chewy” can be applied to various types of treats, from cookies and brownies to candy and snack bars. What they all have in common is a texture that requires a bit of a bite—soft enough to sink your teeth into but firm enough to provide resistance, creating a satisfying chew.
The texture of chewies is achieved through a careful balance of ingredients and baking techniques. For cookies and brownies, this often involves a combination of brown sugar, butter, and eggs, which work together to create a dense, moist, and slightly sticky texture. In the case of chewy candies, such as taffy or caramels, the chewiness is a result of boiling sugar, butter, and sometimes corn syrup to specific temperatures, then allowing the mixture to cool and set.
The History of Chewies
The concept of chewy treats is not new; it has roots that stretch back centuries. Many traditional desserts from various cultures have chewy elements, whether in the form of bread, pastries, or candy.
Early Chewy Treats
One of the earliest examples of chewy treats comes from Middle Eastern cuisine, where dates and nuts were combined into sticky, chewy confections. Similarly, Turkish delight, a gummy, chewy candy flavored with rosewater or lemon, has been enjoyed for centuries in the Ottoman Empire and beyond.
In Europe, the idea of chewy baked goods began to take shape in the form of gingerbread and other spice cookies, which were often dense and chewy due to the use of molasses and honey. By the 19th century, the invention of baking powder and other leavening agents allowed for a wider variety of textures in baked goods, paving the way for the modern chewy cookie.
The Rise of Chewy Cookies in America
In the United States, the chewy cookie as we know it today began to take shape in the early 20th century. The chocolate chip cookie, invented by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, is perhaps the most famous example. This iconic cookie is beloved for its perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center.
Brownies, another classic American dessert, also gained popularity during this time. Originating in the late 19th century, brownies became known for their fudgy, chewy texture, which sets them apart from traditional cakes. Today, both chocolate chip cookies and brownies are among the most popular chewy treats in the world.
Different Varieties of Chewies
Chewies come in many forms, from baked goods to candy. Each variety offers a unique texture and flavor profile, making chewies a versatile category of treats. Here are some of the most popular types of chewies:
1. Chewy Cookies
Chewy cookies are perhaps the most common type of chewy treat. They are typically made with ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and eggs, which give them their soft texture. Chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and snickerdoodles are classic examples of chewy cookies. The key to achieving the perfect chewy cookie lies in the balance of moisture and fat, as well as the baking time and temperature.
2. Brownies
Brownies are a beloved dessert known for their dense, fudgy texture. The chewiness of brownies comes from the use of ingredients like melted chocolate, butter, and eggs, combined with minimal flour to keep the batter dense. Some people prefer cakey brownies, but for true chewies fans, a fudgy, slightly underbaked brownie is the ultimate indulgence.
3. Chewy Candy
Chewy candies, such as caramels, taffy, and fruit chews, are made by cooking sugar to a specific temperature and then allowing it to cool and set. These candies offer a different kind of chewiness—one that is stretchy and elastic. The texture of chewy candies can vary depending on the ingredients used and the temperature to which they are cooked. For example, caramels are cooked to a lower temperature for a soft chew, while taffy is cooked to a higher temperature for a firmer chew.
4. Chewy Granola Bars
Granola bars are another popular form of chewies. These bars are typically made with oats, honey, nuts, and dried fruit, all bound together with a sticky syrup or nut butter. Chewy granola bars are a great on-the-go snack, providing a satisfying chew along with a burst of flavor and energy.
5. Marshmallow Treats
Marshmallow-based treats, such as Rice Krispies treats, are also considered chewies. The combination of crispy cereal and gooey marshmallows creates a delightful texture that is both soft and chewy. These treats are often easy to make and can be customized with various add-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter, or dried fruit.
How to Make Chewies at Home: A Basic Recipe
Making chewies at home is easier than you might think. Below is a basic recipe for chewy chocolate chip cookies, one of the most popular and universally loved types of chewies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and stir until fully combined.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to develop and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Enjoy!
These chewy chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chewies
1. Use Brown Sugar
Brown sugar contains more moisture than granulated sugar, which helps create a softer, chewier texture in baked goods. If you prefer a chewier cookie or brownie, use more brown sugar in your recipe.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing can lead to the development of too much gluten in the dough, resulting in a tougher texture. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined for a tender, chewy treat.
3. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough before baking helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This step is particularly important for achieving a thick, chewy texture.
4. Underbake Slightly
For cookies and brownies, consider removing them from the oven a minute or two before they’re fully baked. The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool, resulting in a softer, chewier texture.
Creative Variations and Add-Ins for Chewies
Chewies are incredibly versatile and can be customized with a wide range of flavors and add-ins. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch of chewy treats:
1. Oatmeal Raisin Chewies
Swap out some of the flour for rolled oats and add raisins for a classic oatmeal raisin cookie. The oats add texture, while the raisins provide a sweet, chewy contrast.
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chewies
Add a swirl of peanut butter to your chocolate chip cookie dough for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips.
3. S’mores Brownies
Mix graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows into your brownie batter for a gooey, chewy treat that captures the flavors of a campfire s’more.
4. Coconut Macaroons
For a different kind of chewy treat, try making coconut macaroons. These simple cookies are made with shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites, resulting in a sweet and chewy bite.
5. Chewy Caramel Bars
Make a batch of chewy caramel bars by layering a buttery shortbread base with a rich caramel filling and a drizzle of chocolate on top. These bars are perfect for sharing and make a great addition to any dessert table.
The Science Behind the Perfect Chewy Texture
Understanding the science behind chewies can help you achieve the perfect texture every time. The key lies in the balance of moisture, fat, and sugar, as well as the baking process.
Moisture Content
Moisture is essential for chewiness. In baked goods, ingredients like brown sugar, eggs, and butter add moisture, which helps create a soft, tender texture. In candy, the amount of moisture retained after cooking determines whether the candy will be soft and chewy or hard and brittle.
Fat Content
Fat also plays a crucial role in chewiness. Butter and oils add richness and moisture to baked goods, while also helping to create a tender texture. In candies, fat helps to coat the sugar crystals, preventing them from becoming too hard.
Sugar Types
The type of sugar used can impact the texture of your chewies. Brown sugar, which contains molasses, adds moisture and softness, while granulated sugar can create a crisper texture. The balance of these sugars is key to achieving the desired level of chewiness.
Temperature and Time
Finally, baking temperature and time are critical. Lower baking temperatures can lead to a denser, chewier texture, while higher temperatures can create a crispier finish. Additionally, baking for a shorter time and allowing residual heat to finish the cooking process helps retain moisture and softness.
The Popularity of Chewies Around the World
Chewy treats are enjoyed in various forms across different cultures. Here’s a look at some international chewy favorites:
1. Mochi (Japan)
Mochi is a Japanese treat made from glutinous rice flour. Its unique, sticky texture is both chewy and soft, making it a popular dessert or snack in Japan and around the world. Mochi is often filled with sweet red bean paste or ice cream for an added layer of flavor.
2. Nougat (France, Italy, Spain)
Nougat is a chewy confection made from sugar, honey, egg whites, and nuts. It’s popular in many European countries, particularly around the holidays. The texture of nougat can range from soft and chewy to hard, depending on the recipe and region.
3. Gulab Jamun (India)
Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian dessert made from milk solids, which are deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup. The result is a sweet, chewy treat that’s often flavored with cardamom, rosewater, or saffron.
4. Alfajores (South America)
Alfajores are a traditional South American cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche, a thick caramel-like spread. The cookies themselves are soft and crumbly, while the dulce de leche adds a chewy, rich texture.
5. Bakkwa (China, Singapore, Malaysia)
Bakkwa is a type of dried meat that’s sweet, salty, and chewy. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or given as a gift during Chinese New Year. Bakkwa’s chewy texture comes from the curing and grilling process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chewies
What makes a treat “chewy”?
Chewiness comes from the balance of moisture, fat, and sugar in a recipe. Ingredients like brown sugar, eggs, and butter contribute to a soft, chewy texture, while the baking process helps retain moisture.
Can I make chewies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free chewies by using gluten-free flour blends. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and chocolate chips, are also gluten-free.
How do I store chewies to keep them fresh?
Store chewies in an airtight container at room temperature. For cookies and brownies, adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them soft and chewy. Chewy candies should be individually wrapped to prevent them from sticking together.
What can I do if my chewies turn out too hard?
If your chewies turn out too hard, it could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. To soften them, try placing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread overnight. The moisture from the bread will help soften the chewies.
Are there vegan options for making chewies?
Yes, you can make vegan chewies by using plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and non-dairy milk. There are also vegan versions of chewy candies that use alternative ingredients to achieve the desired texture.
Conclusion
Chewies, in all their forms, are a beloved category of treats that offer comfort and satisfaction with every bite. From classic chewy cookies to rich brownies and sticky candies, there’s a chewy treat for every palate. Whether you’re baking at home or exploring the world of international chewy desserts, the key to perfect chewiness lies in the balance of ingredients and careful attention to the baking process. So go ahead, indulge in the delightful world of chewies, and discover why these soft, tender, and irresistibly chewy treats have captured the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere.