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Delicious Magic Cookie Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats You'll Actually Make Twice.

Magic Bars are a loved classic with a graham cracker base, chocolate and butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, all baked with sweetened condensed milk. Just stack the ingredients and bake – it's that easy! They're great for holidays, events, or a quick sweet craving. The whole process takes 45 minutes, and you'll need to let them cool before slicing. They stay fresh on the counter or can be frozen for later. Yields 20 tasty bars.
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Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:26:59 GMT
Layered Magic Bars Pin it
Layered Magic Bars | cookbybook.com

Here's my take on those amazing Magic Cookie Bars with their stacked goodness creating an addictively sweet dessert. This old-school favorite has won hearts for years thanks to its wonderful mix of crunchy and soft textures.

I've made these tons of times and found that really pressing down that graham cracker bottom and pouring the condensed milk carefully gives you bars that won't fall apart when you pick them up.

Key Components

  • Graham crackers (1½ cups crushed): Forms the foundation
  • Unsalted butter (½ cup): Holds the base together
  • Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): The secret binding element
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Delivers chocolate goodness
  • Butterscotch chips (1 cup): Adds sweet buttery flavor
  • Shredded coconut (1⅓ cups): Gives that lovely chew
  • Chopped pecans (1 cup): Brings the needed crunch

Step-By-Step Guide

Getting Ready
Heat your oven to 350°F, Put parchment across the 9x13 pan, Let paper hang over for lifting later, Grease any parts of pan not covered
Making The Base
Smash graham crackers into tiny bits, Stir in melted butter until wet, Push down firmly into your pan, Flatten with the bottom of a cup
Building The Layers
Scatter chocolate chips across the base, Drop butterscotch chips on top, Spread coconut all around, Sprinkle nuts over everything, Drizzle condensed milk to cover it all
Cooking Time
Stick in your hot oven, Cook 25-30 mins till golden brown, Look for slightly darker edges, Middle shouldn't jiggle
Finishing Up
Let sit till totally cool, Pull out using paper sides, Slice into squares with clean knife, Wipe knife between cuts
Chunks of Magic Cookie Bars on a plate Pin it
Chunks of Magic Cookie Bars on a plate | cookbybook.com

Keeping Them Fresh

Counter - good for 3 days in sealed box, Fridge - stays fresh a week, Freezer - lasts 3 months when wrapped tight

Last words: These Magic Cookie Bars really are magical, turning basic pantry stuff into something extraordinary. Some folks call them Seven Layer Bars or Hello Dollies, but whatever the name, they'll quickly become a must-have treat.

Delicious Magic Cookie Bars stacked high Pin it
Delicious Magic Cookie Bars stacked high | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do these bars last?
Keep them fresh for 3 days in a sealed container at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Can I swap the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Try using almonds, walnuts, or any nuts you have on hand – just keep the same quantity.
→ Why the name Magic Bars?
They're 'magic' because the condensed milk holds all the layers together as they bake, no extra mixing required.
→ Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, make them 2-3 days early and store in a container at room temperature, or freeze if you need them to last longer.
→ Should I refrigerate these bars?
Nope, no need to chill them. Keep them at room temperature in a sealed container for the best results.

Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Bars bring together graham crackers, chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and pecans, creating a dessert bursting with flavor.

Prep Time
18 Minutes
Cook Time
27 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 bars, about 2.5 inches each)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Layer

01 12 whole graham crackers (crush for about 1 1/2 cups)
02 6 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)
03 A small pinch of kosher salt (about 1/4 teaspoon)

→ Topping Layers

04 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or plain
05 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet; approx. 6 1/2 ounces)
06 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
07 Chop 1 cup pecans (4 oz)
08 1 cup butterscotch chips (6 1/2 ounces)

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven rack to the center spot and turn the heat to 350°F. Use parchment to line a 9x13 pan, leaving flaps hanging over each side for easy removal later.

Step 02

In a big bowl, melt the butter. Smash the graham crackers into tiny crumbs and mix them with the butter and salt until it looks even. Pack this mixture tightly into the parchment-lined pan using a measuring cup with a flat bottom.

Step 03

Scatter the chocolate and butterscotch chips evenly over the crust first. Next, sprinkle on the coconut and pecans. Pour the condensed milk over all of it gently, letting it soak on its own.

Step 04

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-27 minutes, or until the top turns golden. Cool the bars on a rack for at least an hour or two until totally firm. Lift them out using the parchment handles and cut into 20 pieces.

Notes

  1. Keep leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  2. Freeze and store for as long as 3 months if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking pan (9x13 inches)
  • Parchment for lining the pan
  • A big bowl for mixing
  • Crushing tool like a rolling pin
  • Flat measuring cup for pressing
  • Cooling rack for the bars

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes nuts (pecans)
  • Contains milk products
  • Made with wheat from graham crackers

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 313
  • Total Fat: 17.8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37.7 g
  • Protein: 3.8 g