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Classic Grandma’s Seven-Layer Magic Cookie Bars

grandma’s seven-layer magic cookie bars - featured image

A nostalgic and easy-to-make dessert bar featuring layers of toasted coconut, crunchy nuts, gooey sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips on a buttery graham cracker crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, crushed finely)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (toasted, optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed glass for an even layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 8 minutes until it starts to set and turn golden.
  5. While the crust bakes, spread shredded coconut and chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  6. Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted coconut evenly over the condensed milk, followed by the toasted nuts.
  8. Add chocolate chips and butterscotch chips (if using) as the final layer and press down lightly so they stick into the condensed milk layer.
  9. Bake the assembled bars for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown and edges pull away slightly from the pan.
  10. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Notes

Toast the coconut and nuts separately to enhance flavor and crunch. Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Bake until bubbly and golden to prevent gooey bars. Cool completely before slicing. For firmer bars, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition

Keywords: seven-layer bars, magic cookie bars, dessert bars, easy dessert, nostalgic dessert, chocolate chip bars, coconut bars, walnut bars