Magic Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Magic Cookie Bars are one of those desserts that come together with just a few pantry staples but offer a whole lot of flavor. The combination of crunchy graham cracker crumbs, chewy coconut, smooth chocolate chips, and crunchy nuts is topped with a gooey, sweet condensed milk layer that binds everything together. They’re easy to prepare, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family get-together, party, or just a fun treat to have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Pour the melted butter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the butter, pressing them gently into the pan to form the crust.
3. Layer the Ingredients: On top of the graham cracker crust, layer the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. Be sure to spread each layer evenly.
4. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layers, ensuring everything is covered.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
6. Cool and Cut: Allow the Magic Cookie Bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars.
7. Serve: Enjoy these gooey, sweet Magic Cookie Bars as a delicious snack or dessert!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Addition: Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for an extra chewy texture.
• Nut-Free Version: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts and double up on the chocolate chips or coconut for added richness.
• Different Chocolate: Swap the semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips to adjust the sweetness level.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based condensed milk to make these bars vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Magic Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! You can use any type of nut you prefer, such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. You can even skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.

2. Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut?

While sweetened shredded coconut is typically used for Magic Cookie Bars, you can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet version. You may need to adjust the sugar content in the recipe accordingly.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature. In fact, they often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

4. Can I use a different type of cookie crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with other types of cookies, such as vanilla wafer crumbs or shortbread cookies. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

5. Can I use a different type of milk?

You can use a non-dairy condensed milk for a dairy-free version of this recipe. However, the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

6. How do I know when the Magic Cookie Bars are done?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and the edges are crispy. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean, with just a few crumbs stuck to it.

7. Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add more chocolate chips to the bars. You can even mix in different types of chocolate, such as white or dark chocolate.

8. Can I use a larger or smaller pan?

Yes, you can adjust the pan size if needed. If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and may require a bit more baking time. If you use a larger pan, the bars will be thinner and may bake more quickly, so be sure to check them early.

9. Can I make these bars without coconut?

Yes, you can omit the coconut and still have delicious Magic Cookie Bars. Just replace the coconut with more chocolate chips or nuts if you prefer.

10. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie option for the crust. Be sure to check that the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Magic Cookie Bars are an easy, irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of graham cracker crumbs, coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts, all bound together by sweetened condensed milk, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, Magic Cookie Bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

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