Butter Chews

1-1/2 sticks (3/4 c.) butter or margarine
3 T. granulated sugar
1 C. flour
2-1/4 c. packed dark brown sugar
3 eggs, separated
1 c. chopped pecans
3/4 c. sweetened coconut flakes
1/4 c. confectioners' sugar, optional

Heat oven to 350°. Beat butter and granulated sugar in bowl of electric mixer at medium speed. Stir in flour to form thick dough. Pat mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake until light brown around edges, 12 - 15 minutes; set aside.

Mix brown sugar and egg yolks in same bowl of electric mixer at low speed. Mix in nuts and coconut; set aside. Beat the egg whites in clean bowl of electric mixer until thick and frothy but not stiff, about 4 minutes. Gently fold whites into nut mixture. Spread over baked layer.

Bake until set, about 30 minutes. Cool pan completely on wire rack, about 45 minutes. Cut into 1 x 1-inch squares. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

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