Description
These Magic Cookie Bars are a delightful layered treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with sweetened condensed milk, rich semisweet chocolate chips, flaked sweetened coconut, and crunchy nuts. Baked until golden and perfectly set, these bars make an easy and crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for gatherings or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Layers
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1â…“ cups flaked sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) or 325°F (165°C) if using a glass baking dish to ensure even baking without cracking.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal of bars after baking.
- Make Crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the crumbs are fully moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the pressed crust, covering the surface uniformly.
- Layer Toppings: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk layer, followed by the flaked sweetened coconut, and then the chopped nuts to create distinct layers.
- Press Layers: Gently press down on all the layered ingredients with the back of a spatula to compact the bars and help them hold together after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the bars are set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, remove from the pan using the parchment or foil edges, cut into 24 bars, and serve.
Notes
- Using parchment paper or foil helps lift the bars out easily without crumbling.
- Pressing the layers gently ensures the bars hold their shape after baking.
- For a different nut flavor, swap walnuts or pecans with almonds or hazelnuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
