Magic Cookie Bars have become a beloved classic in the dessert world, known for their rich, layered indulgence. Often referred to as Seven Layer Bars, these treats combine graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and pecans into gooey squares that melt in your mouth. With no complicated steps or mixers required, making these bars is a breeze that results in a deliciously satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Magic Cookie Bars
There are so many reasons to adore these Magic Cookie Bars. First, their combination of textures—from the crunchy graham cracker base to the chewy coconut and creamy chocolate—creates a delightful experience in every bite. Second, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Additionally, you can customize them to suit your tastes by incorporating various toppings or flavors, which makes them a versatile treat. They also make for a fantastic party dessert, sure to impress guests and spark joy. Moreover, these bars are perfect for meal prepping or as a sweet treat to keep on hand for when cravings strike. Their combination of flavors, convenience, and crowd-pleasing nature truly makes them the best magic cookie bars ever!
Ingredients for Magic Cookie Bars
Gather these items:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup toffee bits
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
How to Make Magic Cookie Bars Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until consistency resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the pan.
- Step 2: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. It does not need to be spread perfectly.
- Step 3: Sprinkle chocolate chips, then butterscotch chips. Add coconut evenly, and top with chopped pecans.
- Step 4: Bake for 25–30 minutes until edges are golden brown and coconut is lightly toasted. The center may look soft.
- Step 5: Cool for 1 hour in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Magic Cookie Bars
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake; the bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Try adding different nuts or dried fruits for unique flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free crumbs.
- These bars are perfect for making ahead of time and serve well chilled!
Best Ways to Serve Magic Cookie Bars
These Magic Cookie Bars are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also make a fantastic addition to any dessert platter or picnic basket, and you can even serve them alongside a rich cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful combination.
How to Store and Reheat Magic Cookie Bars
To store your Magic Cookie Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, where they will last up to two weeks. If you need to reheat them, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through, but be careful not to overheat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Magic Cookie Bars
What’s the secret to perfect Magic Cookie Bars?
The secret to perfect Magic Cookie Bars lies in not overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown, and allow them to cool completely before cutting for the best texture.
Can I make Magic Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Magic Cookie Bars ahead of time. Simply bake them and store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Magic Cookie Bars?
To avoid common mistakes with Magic Cookie Bars, ensure that you press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan and watch the baking time closely. Each oven is different, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested time.
Variations of Magic Cookie Bars You Can Try
If you want to shake things up, consider these variations of Magic Cookie Bars: add a layer of peanut butter for a rich twist, use different types of chocolate like dark or white chocolate, or swap the pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor. You can even create a no-bake version by chilling the bars instead of baking for a lighter treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in other cookie variations, you might enjoy our Pumpkin Patch Cookies or Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Additionally, learn about the benefits of coconut in desserts here.
Print
Magic Cookie Bars: 7 Layers of Irresistible Delight
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These unbelievably Magic Cookie Bars (also known as Seven Layer Bars) layer graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and pecans into gooey, chewy, crisp-edged dessert squares.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup toffee bits
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until consistency resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the pan.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. It does not need to be spread perfectly.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, then butterscotch chips. Add coconut evenly, and top with chopped pecans.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are golden brown and coconut is lightly toasted. Center may look soft.
- Cool 1 hour in pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate 2 hours before cutting.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
