Magic Cookie Bars (Eagle Brand Recipe)

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, Magic Cookie Bars are the perfect choice! These bars, also known as Seven-Layer Bars, are a rich, chewy, and crunchy treat made with layers of graham crackers, chocolate, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk. They come together in minutes with no mixing required—just layer, bake, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Ridiculously Easy – No mixing bowls, no fuss—just layer everything in the pan and bake.
• Sweet & Gooey – The sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, chewy texture that binds everything together.
• Customizable – You can easily switch up the flavors with different chips, nuts, or toppings!

Ingredient Notes

• Graham Cracker Crumbs – Forms the buttery base of the bars. You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
• Butter – Helps hold the crust together and adds richness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – The key ingredient that binds all the layers together while adding a creamy sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips – Classic semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but you can also use milk, dark, or even white chocolate.
• Butterscotch Chips (Optional) – Adds extra caramel-like sweetness. You can swap with peanut butter chips for a nutty twist.
• Shredded Coconut – Gives the bars a chewy texture and toasty flavor. Use sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference.
• Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans add crunch, but you can omit them for a nut-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly for easy removal.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Melt ½ cup (1 stick) butter and mix with 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

3. Layer the Ingredients

Evenly sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional), 1 cup shredded coconut, and 1 cup chopped nuts over the crust.

4. Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Drizzle 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top. This is what makes everything stick together!

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

6. Cool & Slice

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. For cleaner cuts, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Expert Tips for the Best Bars

• Press the Crust Firmly – This prevents the bars from crumbling when sliced.
• Let Them Cool Completely – This helps the layers set properly for neat squares.
• Customize the Layers – Swap in white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even dried fruit for a fun twist!

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Dessert – Enjoy as-is for a sweet and chewy treat.
• With Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Holiday Treat – Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to a week (great for make-ahead treats).
• Freezing: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without coconut?
Yes! Just leave out the coconut or replace it with extra nuts or chocolate chips.

How do I make them less sweet?
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet and reduce or omit the butterscotch chips.

Can I use a different crust?
Yes! Try crushed Oreos, shortbread cookies, or pretzels for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Magic Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy, nostalgic dessert—rich, chewy, and full of flavor! Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, holiday party, or just because, they’re always a hit. Try them today and let me know how they turn out!

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