Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars Recipe

This Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars Recipe is a chewy and sweet recipe, which calls for chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour 5 minutes.

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Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars Recipe Ingredients

Bars

• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 cup (about 120g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8–9 full graham crackers)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (175g) butterscotch chips

Layers

• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used mini, but regular size is OK)
• 3/4 cup (50-60g) shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup (70g) chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup (8 ounces/226g) sweetened condensed milk (not a full can)

How To Make Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars

1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides so you can lift the bars out easily later.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed. Beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
3. Incorporate wet and dry ingredients: Add the vanilla extract and egg to the butter mixture, beating until fully combined. On low speed, slowly add the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the dough just comes together, then fold in the butterscotch chips.
4. Press and pre-bake: Press the graham cracker dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake the base for 5 minutes. This short pre-bake ensures the crust stays sturdy and doesn’t get soggy under the toppings.
5. Layer the toppings: Remove the pan from the oven and start layering. Sprinkle the chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans evenly over the warm crust. Drizzle the 8 ounces of sweetened condensed milk over the top as evenly as possible.
6. Final bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set. If the coconut starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through. Be sure to rotate the pan once or twice for an even bake.
7. Chill and slice: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then move them to the refrigerator to cool completely. Once the bottom of the pan is cold to the touch, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares with a sharp knife.

Recipe Tips

• How to get clean cuts: Always wait until the bars are completely chilled in the refrigerator before slicing. If the sweetened condensed milk is still warm, the bars will be too soft and messy to cut into neat squares.
• Can I use the whole can of milk: It is best to stick to 8 ounces (about half a can). Using the full 14-ounce can will make the bars overly gooey and they may not set up properly in the center.
• How to prevent the coconut from burning: Keep a close eye on the oven after the 15-minute mark. If the coconut looks dark brown, tent a piece of foil over the pan to protect the top while the middle finishes baking.
• How to make these nut-free: Simply leave out the pecans and replace them with extra chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or more shredded coconut for a safe, nut-free version.

What To Serve With Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars?

This Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars Recipe is a chewy, sweet dessert that needs a cold or refreshing pairing! A tall glass of Ice Cold Milk is the quintessential choice for balancing the rich layers of chocolate and butterscotch. For a balanced dessert plate, a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream adds a lovely creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the crunchy pecans! A steaming Cup of Coffee or a small bowl of Fresh Tart Berries pairs wonderfully with the indulgent, caramelized notes of the sweetened condensed milk.

How To Store Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars

• Refrigerate: Store the cut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers will prevent them from sticking together.
• Freeze: These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag; just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 135mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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