Magic cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines layers of sweet and crunchy goodness. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a simple dessert after dinner. The combination of graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and sweetened condensed milk creates a magical flavor that is hard to resist.
While most of the ingredients for magic cookie bars are common pantry items, you might need to pick up a can of sweetened condensed milk if you don't already have it at home. Additionally, graham cracker crumbs and shredded coconut might not be staples in every household, so be sure to check your pantry or add them to your shopping list before heading to the supermarket.

Ingredients For Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
Graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs form the base of the bars, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy crust.
Butter: Melted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together to form the crust.
Chocolate chips: These add a rich, chocolatey layer to the bars.
Shredded coconut: This adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: This sweet, thick milk binds all the layers together and adds a creamy sweetness.
Technique Tip for Making These Bars
When pressing the graham cracker crumbs and butter mixture into the pan, use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even and compact crust. This helps create a sturdy base that holds together well when cutting the bars.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with crushed digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative.
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with crushed vanilla wafers: Vanilla wafers provide a slightly different flavor but maintain the necessary crumbly texture.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity and will provide a similar texture and moisture.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in binding the crumbs together.
chocolate chips - Substitute with carob chips: Carob chips are a caffeine-free alternative and have a similar sweetness and texture.
chocolate chips - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips offer a different flavor profile but still provide the necessary sweetness and texture.
shredded coconut - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
shredded coconut - Substitute with rolled oats: Rolled oats provide a chewy texture and can absorb some of the moisture from the condensed milk.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with evaporated milk and sugar: Mix evaporated milk with sugar to achieve a similar sweetness and consistency.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk and sugar: Combine coconut milk with sugar for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the sweetness and creamy texture.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze Your Cookie Bars
- To keep your magic cookie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to a week.
- If you prefer to keep them longer, you can refrigerate the bars. Place them in an airtight container and they will last for up to two weeks. The cool temperature will help maintain their texture and flavor.
- For those who want to enjoy these desserts over an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. First, cut the bars into individual portions.
- Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the container with the date so you can keep track of their freshness. The bars can be frozen for up to three months.
- When you're ready to indulge, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they reach your preferred consistency.
- For a quicker option, you can microwave the bars for a few seconds. Be cautious not to overheat them, as this can cause the chocolate chips to melt excessively.
- If you like your magic cookie bars warm and gooey, you can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the bars on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 5-10 minutes, or until they reach the desired temperature.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Magic Cookie Bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the crust and the gooey texture of the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place a Magic Cookie Bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the chocolate chips can melt too much and the crust might become too soft.
For a more even reheating, use a toaster oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the Magic Cookie Bars on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method is great for maintaining the texture and flavor of the bars.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the Magic Cookie Bars in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method ensures a quick and even reheating, keeping the crust crispy and the toppings perfectly gooey.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the magic cookie bars at the specified temperature.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
9x13 inch baking pan: The pan where you press the crust mixture and layer the other ingredients.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut accurately.
Spatula: Helps to press the graham cracker crust evenly into the baking pan.
Can opener: Used to open the can of sweetened condensed milk.
Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool completely before cutting.
Knife: Used to cut the cooled bars into individual servings.
Time-Saving Tips for Making These Bars
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out graham cracker crumbs, butter, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.
Evenly distribute toppings: Use a spatula to evenly spread the chocolate chips and shredded coconut for consistent flavor in every bite.
Cool in fridge: Speed up the cooling process by placing the baking pan in the fridge.
Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the chocolate chips.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Chicken and Egg Salad Recipe25 Minutes
- Sausage Patties Air Fryer Recipe25 Minutes
- Spinach Frittata Recipe30 Minutes
- Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe50 Minutes
- Amish White Bread Recipe2 Hours
- Garlic Kale Recipe20 Minutes
- Wendy's Chili Recipe1 Hours 15 Minutes
- Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe5 Minutes
Leave a Reply