Handwritten recipe for Magic Cookie Bars
by: salvagedrecipes

Classic Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Cookie Bars
Magic Cookie Bars are a classic American dessert layered with rich, gooey, and crunchy textures. Originating from the mid-20th century when Eagle Brand condensed milk recipes gained popularity, this sweet treat became a staple for potlucks, bake sales, and holiday gatherings. With a graham cracker crust and toppings like chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts, it's beloved for its simplicity and irresistible taste. Often called “Hello Dolly Bars,” these cookies need no mixing, just layer and bake!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 201 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter ( or margarine, melted)
  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup walnuts (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels (or butterscotch morsels)
  • 1⅓ cups flaked coconut
  • 1⅓ cups sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Pour melted butter into the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan
  • Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over butter and press lightly to form crust

Step 2: Add Toppings

  • Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly over crust
  • Add chocolate and/or butterscotch morsels
  • Top with flaked coconut

Step 3: Pour and Bake

  • Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire mixture
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned on top

Step 4: Cool and Serve

  • Cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes
  • Cut into bars and serve

Tips

  • Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for balance.
  • Substitute graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
  • Use pecans instead of walnuts for a richer, buttery flavor.
  • Add a layer of peanut butter chips for extra indulgence.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for presentation.
  • Mix the coconut with a bit of sweetened condensed milk to create a chewier layer.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free graham crackers.
  • Add chopped dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, apricots) for a festive twist.
  • Use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet, more robust flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bittersweet chocolate, chocolate, classic comfort food, coconut, coconut bars, dessert bars, easy baking, graham cracker, heirloom recipe, nostalgic, potluck dessert, vintage
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