Magic Cookie Bars

Magic cookie bars are a delectable treat that are sweet, salty, gooey, and crunchy and are a favorite in our family!

As long as I can remember, my mom has made these for special occasions, such as birthdays and Christmas – or when a sweet tooth needs to be satisfied.The magic cookie bars are easy to make, taking only 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake in the oven. They are very rich, which is why it’s recommended to cut the bars into small servings (we suggest 24 bars for this recipe), but are so delicious and flavorful they may not last long!

When is it a good time to enjoy Magic Cookie Bars?

Anytime in my honest opinion! Magic cookie bars are perfect to serve at a holiday party, serve as a dessert to family and friends, or bring to a potluck or a summertime picnic. I like making the magic cookie bars to share when co-workers or our ladies group have a cookie exchange.

Variations on these amazing magic cookie bars!

Instead of the chocolate chips, use chocolate candies (such as M&M’s) or fruit candies (like Skittles) to give the bars a rainbow effect.
If your favorite sweet is peanut butter, substitute peanut butter chips instead of the chocolate chips.
Peanut Bars – instead of chocolate chips and the chopped nuts, use 2 cups of chocolate covered peanuts – very crunchy!
The variations are endless; butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, mini-marshmallows.
Nuts – feel free to use your favorites – walnuts, salted peanuts, almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts.

What if I don’t have graham crackers crumbs?

Graham crackers can be used by putting them in a baggie or in plastic wrap and crushing them with a mallet or a rolling pin.
Instead of a graham cracker base, you can also use vanilla wafer cookie crumbs, crushed biscotti wafers, or even Ritz crackers.

Storing Magic Cookie Bars

Magic cookie bars can be stored 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Freezing Magic Cookie Bars

To freeze, cut the bars into serving size, then place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, freeze until solid, then place the bars in an air-tight containers with parchment paper between the layers to keep the bars from sticking together. The magic cookie bars can be frozen up to 2 months. (Note: If you don’t have parchment paper, wax paper or plastic wrap can also be used.)

Ingredients

• Butter – I use unsalted butter. Melt the butter in the microwave for about 60 seconds. You can also 1 stick salted butter melted
• Graham cracker crumbs – I used crushed graham cracker crumbs. But you can always use the crackers, and crush them yourself!
• Sweetened condensed milk – Whole fat is preferable. The fat creates a delicious and rich taste!
• Coconut flakes – You can choose to remove these if you don’t like coconut flakes! I love how versatile this recipe is!
• Chocolate chips milk or semi-sweet – I prefer semi-sweet to tone down the sugar with the rest of the recipe.
• Pecans – You can opt out of pecans if you would prefer other nuts, or none all together!

Spray sides of 13×9 -inch baking pan. In a small bowl, mix together your butter and graham crackers. Spread evenly in your pan.

Drizzle the condensed milk over the crumbs.

Layer with chocolate chips…

…coconut flakes…

and then nuts!

Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are light brown. Cool completely before cutting. Store in an airtight container.

Supplies I used for this recipe!

If you like this recipe, try these Copycat Girl Scouts Thin Mints!

Copycat Girl Scout Thin Mints