Butter Chews

1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter or margarine
3 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 cup flour
2 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
3 eggs, separated
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, optional

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. 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.