Magic Cookie Bars
User Reviews
4.9
Magic Cookie Bars
Description
This recipe begins with a base of graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted unsalted butter, pressed evenly into a baking pan to form a firm crust. On top, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, sweetened shredded coconut, and chopped pecans are scattered to create a multi-textured topping. Sweetened condensed milk is drizzled over these layers, then the bars are baked until the edges and coconut flakes turn golden brown, providing a mix of crunchy and chewy textures in each bite. Optional flaky sea salt can be added after baking to balance the sweet elements with a touch of saltiness.
The bars offer a combination of nutty crunch from pecans and coconut, with bursts of chocolate and butterscotch sweetness enhanced by the rich condensed milk. Baking until golden ensures the bars hold together while retaining a moist, sticky center. They must cool completely before slicing to achieve clean bars without sticky mess.
Magic Cookie Bars are suited for dessert servings, casual snacking, or potluck contributions. Cutting into small squares is advised due to their rich sweetness. Variations include substituting chips or nuts or adding pretzel pieces for added salty contrast.
Use parchment paper or grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ease removal. Toasting pecans before assembling enhances their flavor. Bars can be refrigerated to speed cooling and then sliced with a sharp knife. Leftovers should be stored covered to retain moisture.
Ingredients
- 1½ cup graham cracker crumbs (180g)
- 1 cup pecans 120g, chopped
- ½ cup butter melted (113g, unsalted
- ¾ cup chocolate chips plus more for sprinkling (135g, semi-sweet
- ¾ cup butterscotch chips (90g)
- 1⅓ cups coconut 133g, sweetened shredded
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- sea salt optional, flaky
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and stir together until everything has been moistened. Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and press down into an even layer using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
- Scatter with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and pecan pieces over the crust. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the surface while trying to get fairly good coverage. Sprinkle the top with a few more chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges and coconut flakes turn golden brown. If desired, sprinkle the top of the hot cookie bars with flaky salt. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars or squares.
Notes
- Line or grease the baking pan well, ideally with parchment paper, to avoid sticky messes and allow easy removal.
- Toast pecans beforehand to amplify their flavor and aroma in the bars.
- Dulce de leche can replace condensed milk for a caramel flavor; warm it slightly for easy drizzling.
- Butterscotch chips may be swapped with peanut butter, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or milk chocolate chips to vary taste.
- Add more nuts or a mix of walnut and pecans to adjust texture and balance sweetness.
- Consider using different cookie crumbs like gingersnaps for the crust to add unique flavor.
- Add pretzel pieces as a layer or crushed into the crust for a sweet-salty twist.
- Cool bars completely before cutting; refrigerate to speed up cooling and use a sharp knife for cleaner slices.
- Cut bars into small squares as they are rich and quite sweet.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 166 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 166kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 70mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 78mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 129IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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