Go Back
+ servings
Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars

Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars

Neha
Ultimate Magic Cookie Bars are a decadent treat that combines crunchy, gooey, and creamy textures in every bite. Layers of graham cracker crust, rich chocolate chips, buttery toffee, and sweetened coconut come together in just 15 minutes of prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Bars
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars

Ingredients
  

Bars

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

Layers

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl using handheld or stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar together on medium speed. Beat for about 2 minutes until smooth and combined. Add the vanilla extract and egg, beating until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl down as needed.
  • Add the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer running on low, slowly mix until combined, then beat in the butterscotch chips. Press graham cracker dough into the prepared baking pan and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and layer with chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly on top. (Remember, not the full can. 8 ounces is a little more than 1/2 of a 14 ounce standard can.) I sprinkled a couple more butterscotch chips on top, but that’s optional.
  • Bake the bars until set, about 30 minutes. I loosely covered the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent browning. Make sure you rotate the pan a couple times during the bake time as well. Allow to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature and then stick in the refrigerator to cool all the way through. Once the bottom of the pan is cold, you may cut the bars into squares.
  • Bars stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Keyword cookie bars, dessert recipe, easy baking, layered cookies, sweet treats
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!