Delicious Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Cookie Bars
Magic Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the goodness of chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and pecans. These bars are easy to make and are perfect for sharing with friends or family. With their delicious layers of flavors, they are sure to become a favorite treat in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Magic Cookie Bars. First, they are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring no special baking skills. Second, they are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a sweet treat at home, these bars will impress everyone. Finally, the combination of flavors and textures—from the crunchy base to the gooey chocolate and butterscotch layers—makes every bite a delight.
How to Make Magic Cookie Bars
Making Magic Cookie Bars is straightforward. Here’s how you can whip up this delicious treat in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (roughly 11 traditional American graham cracker sheets or 160 grams)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, 113 grams)
- 14 liquid ounces sweetened condensed milk (be careful not to buy evaporated milk)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (175 grams)
- 1 cup butterscotch chips (or replace with another cup of chocolate chips, 175 grams)
- 1 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut (113 grams)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (119 grams)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a food processor to crush your graham crackers. Alternatively, you can put them in a sealable plastic bag (like Ziplock) and crush them with a rolling pin. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter right in your food processor.
- Press the combined butter and crumbs into a 9 by 13 inch baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crumb crust completely. If you need to spread it, do so carefully.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips over the sweetened condensed milk layer.
- Add the shredded coconut and then the pecans. Very gently press down.
- Bake for 25 minutes on the middle shelf of your oven, rotating halfway through, until the middle of the pan just begins to turn golden brown.
How to Serve Magic Cookie Bars
Once your Magic Cookie Bars are baked and cooled, cut them into squares and serve them on a plate. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra tasty treat!
How to Store Magic Cookie Bars
To store your Magic Cookie Bars, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, where they can be kept for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months if you wrap them tightly.
Tips to Make Magic Cookie Bars
- Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk, as evaporated milk will not work for this recipe.
- For an extra crunchy texture, toast the pecans before adding them to the bars.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the butterscotch chips with more chocolate chips or other flavors of your choice, like peanut butter chips.
Variation
You can customize these bars by adding different ingredients. Try using nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of pecans. You could also add dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a twist!
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! To make gluten-free Magic Cookie Bars, simply use gluten-free graham crackers.
2. How long do they take to cool?
Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares so they can set properly.
3. Can I use ingredients like almond milk instead of condensed milk?
No, sweetened condensed milk is essential for the right texture and sweetness in these bars. Almond milk or other substitutes won’t provide the same result.
Now you are ready to make your own Magic Cookie Bars! Enjoy this delicious treat with family and friends.