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–+ servings
ingredients image of Top-down shot of a rustic wooden table displaying the ingredients for Magic Cookie Bars: a can of condensed milk, a bowl of chocolate chips, a pile of shredded coconut, a box of graham cracker crumbs, and a stick of butter. Soft, natural lighting. Shallow depth of field.

Magic Cookie Bars

Indulgent, gooey, and easy to make, these Magic Cookie Bars are the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert. Layered with graham cracker crumbs, condensed milk, chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts for a rich and satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Layer
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 10-12 graham crackers, crushed
Middle Layer
  • 1 (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Top Layer
  • 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut sweetened or unsweetened
  • 1 cup chopped nuts pecans or walnuts work beautifully
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, but adds depth of flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt optional, for balancing sweetness

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish,
  • Parchment paper
  • - Mixing bowls
  • - Measuring cups and spoons
  • sharp knife,

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step is crucial—it prevents the bars from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, using a spoon or measuring cup to compact it. This forms the delicious, buttery base of your bars.
  4. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. This is the “glue” that holds all the layers together and adds that signature caramel-like sweetness. Use a spatula to spread it out gently.
  5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk layer. Don’t skimp here—the more chocolate, the better! For extra indulgence, mix in some white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips.
  6. Spread the flaked coconut over the chocolate chips completely. The coconut adds a delightful chewiness and toasty flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate.
  7. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the coconut layer. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can omit them or swap in something like toffee bits or crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
  8. Drizzle the vanilla extract over the top layer and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. These small touches enhance the flavors and make your bars taste even more decadent.
  9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the coconut is lightly toasted. Keep an eye on it—you want the bars to be set but not overbaked.
  10. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is essential—it allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier. I recommend cooling for at least 2 hours, but if you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  11. Once fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between slices. Serve and enjoy the magic!

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For dietary variations, see the tips section below for substitutions. These bars are versatile and customizable!
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