Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
Deliciously rich and easy-to-make Magic Cookie Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with layers of sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these bars bake to a golden brown finish and offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- ½ cup butter
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
Toppings
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ⅓ cups shredded or flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans or other chopped nuts
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, lightly grease it with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter: Add the butter to the baking pan and place it into the preheated oven to melt. Alternatively, if using parchment paper, melt the butter in a medium bowl in the microwave on high for 90 seconds until fully melted.
- Combine Crust: Stir the graham cracker crumbs into the melted butter, mixing well to create an even mixture. Press this mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom of the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat surface to form the crust.
- Layer Toppings: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the prepared crust. Then sprinkle the chocolate chips, followed by the shredded coconut, and finally the chopped pecans evenly across the top. Press down gently but firmly with a measuring cup or spoon to compact the layers slightly.
- Bake Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and the top is set. Once done, remove from the oven and carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan if not lined to loosen the bars.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set fully before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out for cutting and serving.
- Pressing the layers firmly helps keep the bars from crumbling.
- You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans based on preference.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For chewier coconut, use shredded coconut; for a flakier texture, use flaked coconut.
Keywords: Magic Cookie Bars, dessert bars, no-bake crust, graham cracker crust, coconut, chocolate chip bars, pecan dessert, easy baking recipe