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Magic Cookie Bars

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

Magic Cookie Bars are a beloved dessert that combines layers of graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, all held together with sweetened condensed milk. These bars are incredibly easy to make - just layer the ingredients and bake! Perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a sweet treat. The bars take about 45 minutes total to prepare and bake, and they'll need some cooling time before cutting. They keep well at room temperature and can even be frozen for later enjoyment. One batch makes 20 generous bars that everyone will love.
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Updated on Fri, 24 Jan 2025 21:38:10 GMT
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Magic Cookie Bars Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Let me share a detailed recipe for these beloved Magic Cookie Bars that combine decadent layers into an irresistibly sweet treat. This nostalgic dessert has delighted generations with its perfect blend of textures and flavors.

After countless batches, I've found that taking extra care with the graham cracker base and evenly distributing the condensed milk creates the perfect bar that holds together beautifully.

Essential Ingredients

  • Graham crackers (1½ cups crushed): Creates sturdy base
  • Unsalted butter (½ cup): Binds crust together
  • Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): Magic binding ingredient
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Adds rich chocolate layer
  • Butterscotch chips (1 cup): Provides caramel notes
  • Shredded coconut (1⅓ cups): Creates chewy texture
  • Chopped pecans (1 cup): Adds essential crunch

Detailed Instructions

Pan Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F, Line 9x13 pan with parchment paper crosswise, Leave overhang for easy removal, Grease any exposed pan sides
Crust Creation
Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs, Mix with melted butter thoroughly, Press firmly into prepared pan, Use measuring cup for even compression
Layering Process
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly, Add butterscotch chips in single layer, Distribute coconut uniformly, Top with chopped pecans, Pour condensed milk slowly over all
Baking Method
Place in preheated oven, Bake 25-30 minutes until golden, Edges should be lightly browned, Center should be set
Cooling and Cutting
Cool completely in pan, Lift out using parchment, Cut into squares with sharp knife, Clean knife between cuts
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Slices of Magic Cookie Bars Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Storage Solutions

Room temperature - 3 days in sealed container, Refrigerated - 1 week, Frozen - up to 3 months, wrapped well

Final thoughts: These Magic Cookie Bars live up to their name, transforming simple ingredients into something truly magical. Whether you call them Seven Layer Bars or Hello Dollies, they're guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Amazing Magic Cookie Bars pin it
Amazing Magic Cookie Bars | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do Magic Cookie Bars stay fresh?
They stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
→ Can I use different nuts in Magic Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or any other nuts you prefer, keeping the same amount.
→ Why are they called Magic Cookie Bars?
They're called 'magic' because the sweetened condensed milk magically binds all the layers together as they bake, creating perfect bars without any mixing.
→ Can I make Magic Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them 2-3 days ahead and store at room temperature, or freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.
→ Do Magic Cookie Bars need to be refrigerated?
No, they don't need refrigeration. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for best results.

Classic Magic Cookie Bars Recipe

These Magic Cookie Bars combine graham crackers, chocolate chips, butterscotch, coconut, and pecans into an irresistible layered dessert.

Prep Time
18 Minutes
Cook Time
27 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 (2.5-inch) bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Layer

01 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
02 12 full graham cracker sheets (about 1 1/2 cups when crushed)
03 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Topping Layers

04 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 1/2 ounces)
05 1 cup butterscotch chips (6 1/2 ounces)
06 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
07 1 cup pecans (4 ounces), coarsely chopped
08 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Step 01

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating a sling with overhang on all sides.

Step 02

Melt the butter in a large bowl. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, combine with salt and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a flat-bottomed measuring cup.

Step 03

Sprinkle chocolate chips and butterscotch chips evenly over the crust. Follow with layers of coconut and chopped pecans. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over everything - it will spread naturally.

Step 04

Bake until golden brown, 25 to 27 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours. Use the parchment sling to lift out the bars, then cut into 20 pieces.

Notes

  1. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
  2. Can be frozen for up to 3 months

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin or meat mallet
  • Flat-bottomed measuring cup
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans)
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains wheat (graham crackers)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 313
  • Total Fat: 17.8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37.7 g
  • Protein: 3.8 g