Magic Cookie Bars Recipe

These delightful dessert bars, also known as “Seven Layer Bars” in some circles, are a timeless classic. Their combination of flavors and textures—sweet, chewy, crunchy, and rich—makes them irresistible and incredibly easy to prepare. They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or as a treat to enjoy with your family.

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers, finely crushed)
• For the layers:
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (you can use dark chocolate for a less sweet version or white chocolate for variety)
  • 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut (unsweetened coconut can be used for less sweetness)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, or substitute with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts)

Optional Variations:

• Add butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips for extra flavor.
• Swap pecans for crushed pretzels for a salty twist.
• Sprinkle sea salt over the top before baking for a sweet-salty combination.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. The parchment paper will make it easier to remove and slice the bars cleanly later.
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs.
   • Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
   • Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup or spoon to flatten the crust for an even base.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
   • First Layer: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. This serves as the “glue” to hold the layers together.
   • Second Layer: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the condensed milk, spreading them out to cover the entire surface.
   • Third Layer: Add the shredded coconut evenly on top of the chocolate chips. If you prefer toasted coconut, you can lightly toast it beforehand for extra flavor.
   • Fourth Layer: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the coconut. If you’re adding optional ingredients like butterscotch or peanut butter chips, this is the layer to incorporate them.
4. Press the Layers:
   Using the back of a spoon or a clean hand, gently press down on the layered ingredients. This step helps compact the layers and ensures they adhere during baking.
5. Bake the Bars:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—when the coconut turns golden brown and the edges look slightly caramelized, the bars are ready.
6. Cool Completely:
   Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it allows the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut. Cooling can take about 1–2 hours at room temperature. For faster cooling, you can place the dish in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes.
7. Slice the Bars:
   Once cooled, run a knife along the edges of the baking dish to loosen the bars if you didn’t use parchment paper. Lift the parchment (if used) and transfer the entire block to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Clean the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for neat slices.
8. Serve and Store:
   Arrange the bars on a serving platter and enjoy! These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Tips for Success:

• For extra neat layers, be precise when spreading each ingredient evenly.
• If you want an extra-crispy crust, bake the graham cracker base for 5 minutes before layering the other ingredients.
• Experiment with toppings and substitutions to create your own unique version of these bars.

These magic cookie bars are the perfect combination of ease and decadence—a treat that never fails to impress! Whether for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, they’re always a hit. ✨🍫🥥