Handwritten recipe for Doris Good Cookies
by: salvagedrecipes

Coconut Cherry Bars from Doris

Doris Good Cookies
Doris' Good Cookies reflect a mid-century American love for layered bar desserts that combined pantry staples with convenience ingredients. Recipes like this became especially popular in the 1950s and 1960s, when sweetened condensed milk, packaged cereal crumbs, and marshmallows made baking faster while still feeling homemade. What makes these cookies special is their contrast of textures: a buttery pressed base topped with chewy marshmallows, sweet coconut, and jewel-like cherries, all bound together with rich condensed milk. Baked gently and chilled before cutting, the bars hold their shape while staying soft and decadent. They’re memorable for their golden color, nostalgic flavors, and unmistakable dessert-tray appeal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups Kellogg’s Cornflake Crumbs
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 ½ cups flaked coconut
  • ¾ cup maraschino cherries (chopped)
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup nuts (chopped )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • Melt the butter in a saucepan.
  • Stir in the sugar until combined.

Step 2: Form the Crust

  • Press the butter and sugar mixture evenly into a greased baking pan.

Step 3: Add the Layers

  • Sprinkle cornflake crumbs evenly over the base.
  • Layer marshmallows, coconut, and cherries on top.

Step 4: Finish the Topping

  • Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers.
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
  • Do not overbake.

Step 6: Chill and Cut

  • Allow to cool, then refrigerate before cutting into bars.

Tips

  • Line the pan with parchment for easier removal.
  • Use toasted coconut for deeper flavor.
  • Substitute walnuts or pecans for the nuts.
  • Cut bars with a warm knife for clean edges.
  • Chill overnight for firmer slices.
  • Add chocolate chips for a richer version.
  • Reduce sugar slightly if using very sweet cherries.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword bar cookies, coconut dessert, holiday treats, nostalgic food, retro recipe, vintage baking
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