Home » Dessert Recipes » Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Cookie Bars bars are easy to make and are the perfect indulgent treat. With their rich, sweet, and crunchy texture, these 7 layer bars are aways a hit!

EASY LAYERED DESSERT BARS

Magic Cookie Bars, also known as Hello Dolly bars or Seven Layer bars, are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. These bars consist of a graham cracker crust layered with sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and nuts. Baked to perfection, they are a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love! These bars are easy to make and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon snack or a dessert to share, 7 Layer Bars are the perfect choice!

A sheet pan of Magic Cookie Bars with one taken out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why is it called a Seven layer Bar?

Sometimes desserts have multiple names. Magic Cookie Bars have a few names, 7 layer bars and Hello Dolly Bars being 2 other common ones. It’s called a 7 layer bar because it has 7 different layers of flavors and textures.

Why are my Magic Bars falling apart?

It can really depend on a few things – how you layered them and how they baked. I like to use the condensed milk layer on top instead of over the graham cracker crumb layer like some other recipes because this helps to bind all the layers really well and stick together.

What’s the best way to cut Magic Bars?

Using a sharp knife is helpful in cutting these dessert bars. After each cut, or pass through the big sheet, wipe the blade off so you’re not making a mess with each cut. It can also be helpful to run the knife blade under some hot water first and wiping it dry before cutting your bars. This helps your bars get nice, clean cut lines.

How do I keep Magic Cookie Bars from sticking to the pan?

I use parchment paper under the bars when baking them so they don’t stick to the pan. It makes removing them from the baking tray a lot easier also.
When storing your bars, if doing so in layers, I recommend using parchment paper or wax paper in between layers so they don’t stick together.

What other flavors can I use?

These are the standard flavors for this bar but you can swap the baking chips out for other ones like a white chocolate chip a peanut butter chip or even a cinnamon baking chip! Add another pop of crunch by tossing in some crunchy pretzels to your dessert bars.

How do you store Magic Cookie?

Magic Cookie Bars should be stored in an airtight container, with parchment paper in between layers and should be kept at room temperature for up 5 days. You can freeze them as well.

Can you freeze 7 Layer Bars?

Yes, Magic Bars can be frozen. In fact, they make a really nice treat when they’re thawing! Be sure to store them in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

A stack of Magic Cookie bars.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

  • graham cracker crumbs
  • salted butter
  • semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • butterscotch chips
  • chopped pecans
  • shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • vanilla extract
  • sweetened condensed milk 
Graham cracker crumbs, butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk.

HOW TO MAKE MAGIC COOKIE BARS

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spray a little nonstick cooking spray on the parchment paper. 

In a medium size bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Add the graham cracker crumbs and use a fork to combine well.

A bowl with graham cracker crumb crust mixed with butter.

Add the graham cracker mixture to the pan and press firmly to form the crust.

Graham cracker crumb crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips, and the pecans.

Butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, and pecans on top of a crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the can of sweetened condensed milk and gently stir. Drizzle the milk all over the top of the layers. Lastly, sprinkle the shredded coconut over the entire mixture. 

Baking chips, nuts, vanilla, condensed milk and shredded coconut on a crust.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bars are golden brown. 

A baking sheet with baked but uncut Magic Cookie Bars.

Cool completely before cutting.

A stack of 7 layer bars.

CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

A stack of Magic Cookie Bars on a serving platter.

Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Cookie Bars are a simple and delicious dessert made with graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and nuts. They are a crowd-pleasing treat that is perfect for any occasion.
5 from 22 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened works fine)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spray a little nonstick cooking spray on the parchment paper.
  • In a medium size bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.
  • Add the graham cracker crumbs and use a fork to combine well.
  • Add the graham cracker mixture to the pan and press firmly to form the crust.
  • Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the butterscotch chips, and the pecans.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the can of sweetened condensed milk and gently stir. Drizzle the milk all over the top of the layers.
  • Lastly, sprinkle the shredded coconut over the entire mixture.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bars are golden brown.
  • Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

  • I like to add the coconut last so it gets toasted.
  • Using the condensed milk on the top (instead of over the graham cracker layer) binds everything together well.
  • You can swap out other flavors of chips for different variations. White chocolate chips and peanut butter chips are great options. 
  • Add pretzel pieces for another variation.
  • Store layered with parchment paper in an airtight container. You can freeze these. 
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 249mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 41g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did you make this recipe?Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




One Comment