Handwritten recipe card for Tom THumb Cookie Bars
by: salvagedrecipes

Tom Thumb Coconut Cookie Bars (1949)

Tom Thumb Cookie Bars
Tom Thumb Cookie Bars are a classic mid-century American dessert featuring layers of brown sugar richness, coconut, and nuts baked to a chewy, golden perfection. This 1949 recipe captures the comforting simplicity of post-war baking, when pantry staples like Spry shortening and brown sugar formed the heart of homemade treats. Beloved for its chewy texture and toasted coconut topping, this nostalgic cookie bar evokes warm kitchen aromas and timeless family gatherings, pairing perfectly with coffee or milk. Its buttery base and caramelized topping make it both rustic and indulgent, a hallmark of vintage American baking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bars
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

Base Layer:

  • ½ cup Spry (or vegetable shortening)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
  • 1 cup sifted flour

Topping:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
  • 1 cup nuts (coarsely chopped (walnuts or pecans recommended)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • Combine Spry (shortening), salt, and brown sugar.
  • Cream together until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add sifted flour and blend well.
  • Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 8x12x2-inch pan.
  • Bake at 325°F (moderate oven) for 18 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

  • Beat 2 eggs, then add brown sugar and vanilla.
  • Continue beating until the mixture becomes thick and frothy.
  • Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add shredded coconut and nuts, mixing until combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  • Spread topping mixture evenly over the partially baked base.
  • Return to oven and bake slowly at 325°F for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips

  • Substitute butter for Spry for a richer flavor.
  • Add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the topping for variation.
  • Toast the coconut lightly before mixing for deeper flavor.
  • Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 40IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword 1940s baking, brown sugar, coconut, comfort food, homemade cookies, nostalgic dessert, vintage
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