Magic Cookie Bars

Many of us bakers have a few go-to recipes that satisfy every time we make them. Maybe our recipes include a batch of fudgy brownies, a pan of cookie brittle or a loaf of banana bread. Classics like these always hit the spot.

Want another must-have recipe that will always leave you with an empty pan? Try magic cookie bars. These easy-to-make bars are chewy, nutty and chocolaty. There’s something for everyone with this treat. You may hear these bars called seven-layer bars, Hello Dolly bars or simply just magic bars. No matter what you call ’em, we know that this magic cookie bar recipe from reader Pauline Schrag is sure to hit the spot.

And the best part about these bars? They are easy. You don’t even need a mixing bowl. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some chocolate chips and get started. Once you’ve mastered this magic cookie bars recipe, there’s a whole world of magic cookie bar variations just waiting to be enjoyed.

Magic Cookie Bar Ingredients

• Butter: You’ll need one whole stick of butter for a magic cookie bar recipe. Try cubing the butter so it melts easily and quickly in the pan.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Use a food processor to make crumbs from whole graham crackers. You could also place the graham crackers in a resealable bag, close it tightly and whack the crackers with a rolling pin until you’re left with crumbs.
• Shredded coconut: Purchase sweetened (not unsweetened) shredded coconut for the best coconut flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Since they’re such a prominent ingredient, it’s essential to use the best chocolate chips in this magic cookie bars recipe.
• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts (or a mix of them) can be used in this magic cookie bar recipe. It’s entirely up to you! No matter which nuts you go with, toast the nuts beforehand to bring out their naturally rich, nutty flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk: One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk binds the coconut, chocolate chips and nuts together into a rich, creamy, silky filling.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

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Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter in a 9-inch square baking pan.

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Then sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs right on top of the melted butter.

Editor’s Tip: Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press the crumbs to form a flat, even crust. Bakers, you know this one! It’s exactly how you’d make a graham cracker pie crust.

Step 2: Layer the ingredients

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After making a good base for your magic cookie bars, layer on the other ingredients, starting with the coconut.

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Then add a layer of chocolate chips.

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Then add the nuts.

Step 3: Drizzle the milk

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Finally, drizzle on a can of sweetened condensed milk. Open the top and pour the milk over the pan as evenly as you can. No need to mix or spread here! Just let the milk settle into all the other ingredients.

Step 4: Bake the bars

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Bake the magic cookie bars until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

Once baked, let the magic bars cool on a wire rack for several hours at room temperature. You’ll want them at room temperature before slicing.

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Recipe Variations

• Try a different crumb crust: Use any type of graham cracker crumb you like in a magic cookie bar recipe. You can also use different crumb crust ingredients—think gingersnaps, Nilla wafers or chocolate wafers. Even saltines and crushed pretzels work.
• Use other baking chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the most common chocolate chips used in baking, but butterscotch chips are the most traditional for magic cookie bars. You can use any chips in this recipe. Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and even flavored baking chips like peanut butter or peppermint. Any baking chip—or a blend of baking chips—would be welcome.
• Add dried fruit: Incorporate a handful or two of any dried fruit into a magic cookie bars recipe. Chocolate, dried cherry and coconut are a match made in heaven.
• Replace the condensed milk: A can of sweetened condensed milk is a must in any magic bar recipe, but you can change this ingredient up if you’d like. Use sweetened condensed coconut milk (an easy way to make this recipe vegan-friendly) or even dulce de leche.
• Garnish with toppings: If you want to add a little extra to your magic cookie bars, try a topping. Melt a bit of chocolate or Nutella and drizzle it on top, or add crushed Oreo pieces or chopped Reese’s.

How to Store Magic Cookie Bars

Once the magic cookie bars are cooled to room temp and sliced into bars, stash them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days.

Can you freeze magic cookie bars?

Yes, magic cookie bars can be frozen for up to two months. Let them cool to room temperature first, then wrap them tightly in storage wrap or place them in an airtight container. If you’re stacking the bars in the container, lay pieces of parchment between each layer. Thaw them on the counter for an hour or two when you’re ready to enjoy your magic bars again.

Magic Cookie Bar Tips

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How can I cleanly cut these magic cookie bars?

Magic cookie bars are sticky, which can make cutting them a bit messy, but there’s an easy method on how to cut dessert bars so they’re clean and sharp! Before each cut, run a sharp chef’s knife or bench scraper under hot water, wipe off the water with a clean towel and make one single cut. Repeat until all your bars are cut.

Can I double this magic cookie bar recipe?

Yes, you can double this recipe, and it’s really easy to do so. Just remember to bake a double batch in either two 9-inch pans or one 13×9-inch pan.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, unfortunately, evaporated milk cannot be subbed in for sweetened condensed milk. However, if you want to save a trip to the store, you can make sweetened condensed milk with some whole milk and granulated sugar.