Magic Cookie Bars

Name: Magic Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups honey or chocolate graham crackers, (crushed into crumbs (about 16 full sheets)); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup light brown sugar; ½ cup salted butter, (melted); 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1 cup shredded sweet coconut; ¾ cup pecans, (chopped); 1⅔ cups sweetened condensed milk

These magic cookie bars are filled with sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and delicious chocolate chips.

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Table of Contents

Magic Cookie Bars Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
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Magic cookie bars are classic treats that go by several other names, including seven layer bars, coconut dream bars, and hello dollies. Whatever you call them, there’s no denying that they’re delicious, with sweet coconut, crunchy nuts, and yummy chocolate chips on top of a buttery graham cracker crust.

magic cookie bars raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

2 cups of honey or chocolate graham crackers, crushed into crumbs (about 16 full sheets)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
¼ cup of light brown sugar
½ cup of salted butter, melted
1 cup of milk chocolate chips
1 cup of shredded sweet coconut
¾ cup of chopped pecans
1⅔ cups of sweetened condensed milk

Substitutions And Additions

MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS: You could use different kinds of chocolate chips, including dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips, as an alternative in this easy dessert.

PECANS: If you don’t have pecans, you could use walnuts, pistachios, cashews, or macadamia nuts.

SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK: We like to use Eagle Brand condensed milk. Cream of coconut works well as an alternative if you prefer to avoid dairy.

COCONUT: Don’t like coconut? No problem. You can make magic cookie bars without coconut if you prefer.

MARSHMALLOWS: These are optional but add a great chewy texture.

DRIED FRUIT: Raisins, sultanas, and cranberries all make nice additions to this simple recipe.

CANDY: To make this recipe extra magical, consider adding M&M’s or any ot

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until combined.

graham crackers, vanilla, light brown sugar, and melted butter stirred in a bowl

STEP THREE: Pour the graham cracker mixture into the baking dish. Use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crumb mixture down firmly in the bottom of the pan.

STEP FOUR: Sprinkle on a third of the chocolate chips, a third of the pecans, and a third of the shredded coconut. Repeat two times to create layers.

chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans sprinkled over the second layer in a baking dish

STEP FIVE: Pour the condensed milk on top.

sweetened condensed milk poured over the top layer in a baking dish

STEP SIX: Place into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your bars as the suggested baking time approaches.

STEP SEVEN: Allow to cool completely, slice into bars, and serve.

PRO TIP:

When cutting the bars, spray a chef’s knife with cooking spray and wipe with a paper towel. This prevents the magic cookies from sticking to the knife.

How To Serve

These magic bars would be welcome any time of year. Perfect to serve for an afternoon snack along with a Wendy’s Frosty, or at a potluck along with our cherry Kool-Aid pie.

Treat bars like these are perfect for potlucks. For more potluck dessert bar ideas, take a look at our chocolate chip cheesecake bars and these scrumptious s’mores bars.

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Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: These gooey magic cookie bars can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

If it’s not too warm, you could keep them on the counter at room temperature for about three days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze this delicious treat for up to three months in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

a close up shot of a slice of Magic Cookie Bars on a plate with a bite taken out of it

This is the best magic cookie bars recipe, and they are called ‘magic’ for a reason – because they’ll be gone in a matter of minutes! Luckily, there are so many magic cookie bar variations that you can enjoy making these treats again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave out the coconut in this recipe?

This easy recipe is so forgiving that you can add or omit ingredients, and they will still taste delicious. Leave out the coconut or replace it with quick oats for a tasty texture.

Can I freeze these bars?

Our seven layer magic cookie bars can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I add peanut butter to the bars?

If you’d like to add the delicious flavor of peanut butter, the easiest way would be to mix in peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips in this recipe.

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These magic cookie bars are filled with sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and delicious chocolate chips.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

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Ingredients

2 cups honey or chocolate graham crackers, crushed into crumbs (about 16 full sheets)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ cup salted butter, melted
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup shredded sweet coconut
¾ cup pecans, chopped
1⅔ cups sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish. Set aside
In a mixing bowl, add crushed graham crackers, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir to combine.
Pour into the 8×8 baking dish and press down firmly with your fingers. You might want to use something flat to really press the mixture down so the crust can set up.
Sprinkle ⅓ of the chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. Repeat layers 2 more times.
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the layers.
Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the coconut and edges are lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving.

Video

Notes

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your bars as the suggested baking time approaches.
When cutting the bars, spray a chef’s knife with cooking spray and wipe with a paper towel. This prevents the magic cookies from sticking to the knife.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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