There’s something truly delightful about Magic Cookie Bars. These treats are gooey, chocolatey, and loaded with flavors. Perfect for any gathering, they come together easily and bake to a golden perfection. You’ll love the combination of chocolate, coconut, and nuts, all held together with creamy sweetened condensed milk.

These bars are a breeze to make. You only need a few simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. They are perfect for sweet cravings and quick treats. Plus, they’re a fun way to involve your kids in the kitchen. Everyone loves these as a dessert, snack, or even a lunchbox surprise!

Making these bars is really straightforward. You’ll start by preparing a simple crust, then layer on all the yummy toppings before baking. That’s it! In no time, you’ll have a warm batch of cookie bars ready to enjoy.

What You Need

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1.33 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

Step-by-Step

Gather all ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If using a glass dish, set it to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish and press onto the bottom.
Pour sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust.
Sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts.
Press the toppings down firmly using the back of a fork.
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely, then cut into 36 bars or diamonds.
Serve and enjoy!

These cookie bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They make a lovely treat for birthday parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweet flavors beautifully.

To keep your cookie bars fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Recipe Tips

Allow bars to cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate morsels.
If you’re low on nuts, use seeds or oats instead.
Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to dry bars.
You can swap the graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies for a different base.

Variations & Swaps

Add Peanut Butter: Drizzle warm peanut butter over the top for a nutty twist.
Swap the Nuts: Use almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Holiday Twist: Add festive sprinkles or dried cranberries during the holidays for a special touch.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these cookie bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste great after resting for a while, allowing the flavors to meld.

Can I freeze Magic Cookie Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for about three months.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying them again. For a warm touch, you can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you’d like a different flavor, try using white chocolate chips or butterscotch morsels. You can also mix in dried fruits for added texture and sweetness.

What mistakes should I avoid when making these bars?
One common mistake is overbaking. Check your bars a few minutes early to ensure they remain soft and chewy. Additionally, be sure to press down the toppings to keep everything together when baking.