Back in 6th grade, I won homemade magic cookie bars in a bake walk (also known as 7 layer bars or Hello Dollies) game at my elementary school Halloween carnival. Growing up, my mom never baked these although we did bake a lot, and I had never heard of them or tasted them until this point in my life when I won a batch of them. They were lifechanging, and the best dessert I had ever tried. If you like chocolate and bars, then you’ll love my mouthwatering No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, and S’mores Bars recipes!
I never forgot how delicious those magic cookie bars tasted. Their ooey-gooey texture combined with fresh graham cracker crumbs, sweet chocolate, toasted coconut, and pecans, is insanely addicting—my family and I just cannot get enough of this deliciousness! I’ll never forget that bake walk game in 6th grade when I won the best-tasting magic cookie bars EVER! I never forgot about them and how delicious they were.
Trying to find a way to make magic cookie bars as delicious as I had remembered them became one of my missions. So here is my recipe of the most heavenly magic cookie bars—what a pleasant blast from my past! I hope you and your family enjoys them as much as we do!
Magic Cookie Bars contain graham cracker crumbs, butter, sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut, and as an option, chopped pecans. They’re simple as they only call for five ingredients and take just 40 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients in Magic Cookie Bars
Graham cracker crumbs. Don’t skimp and buy the pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs as they do not taste nearly as fresh or good as crushing real graham crackers.
Butter. You can use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe. This is my go-to butter recipe!
Sweetened condensed milk. Thick and creamy sweetened condensed milk adds a sweet and creamy flavor to this dessert recipe.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips in this recipe.
Coconut. Magic cookie bars are always topped with dried coconut; that’s what truly gives them their name. Of course, if you don’t like coconut, just omit it.
Pecans. Chopped pecans or chopped walnuts are optional and are completely up to you if you want to sprinkle them on top of your Magic Cookie Bars. We love the nutty flavor and crunch of the pecans.
What are Magic Cookie Bars?
Magic cookie bars were invented in the 1960s, and according to Southern Living’s article, are known by many names including Hello Dollies and seven-layer bars, although the traditional seven-layer bar actually only has six layers. They’re referred to as a seven-layer bars because they have seven layers of flavor.
How to make the best Magic Cookie Bars
STEP 1: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350° F and if using a glass dish, heat to 325° F.
STEP 2: Combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter in a bowl. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to firmly press the mixture down.
STEP 3: Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker mixture. Try to pour it evenly. If it doesn’t evenly spread, don’t worry as it will when it bakes.
STEP 4: Sprinkle the chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans over the mixture. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to firmly pack the mixture.
STEP 5: Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Once the mixture cools after about 45 minutes to 1 hour, cut them into squares and serve. You can keep the bars at room temperature or cover and refrigerate them.
STEP 6: If you make this dessert recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
More delicious desserts you’ll love!
Chocolate Ice Cream (No Churn)
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Easy 5-Minute Chocolate Pudding Pie
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Pies in a Jar
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Magic Cookie Bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this dessert recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Magic Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1½ c graham cracker crumbs
- ½ c butter melted
- 1 (14 oz. can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ c semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1½ c coconut shredded
- chopped pecans optional; can also top with chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350° F. If using a glass dish, heat to 325° F.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter in a bowl. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to firmly press the mixture down.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker mixture. Try to pour it evenly. If it doesn’t evenly spread, don’t worry as it will when it bakes.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans, if using, over the mixture. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to firmly pack the mixture.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Once the mixture cools after about 45 minutes to 1 hour, cut them into squares and serve. You can keep the bars at room temperature or cover and refrigerate them.
- If you make this recipe, don't forget to leave a rating and comment!
Nutrition (per serving)
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