Magic Cookie Bars (Printable Version)

A decadent treat with graham crust, chocolate chips, coconut, and crunchy nuts, baked for chewy delight.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Layers

03 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
04 - 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional, or substitute with white chocolate chips)
05 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
06 - 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
07 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a firm crust.
03 - Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust.
04 - Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts over the condensed milk layer.
05 - Gently press the layered ingredients with the back of a spatula to compact all layers.
06 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
07 - Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No mixer, no fussy technique—just press, layer, and bake your way to something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • The condensed milk creates this magical glue that holds everything together while baking, turning simple ingredients into pure indulgence.
  • One pan, minimal cleanup, and enough bars to feed a crowd or hide in the back of your pantry for midnight snacking.
02 -
  • If your bars crumble when you slice, they weren't cool enough or the condensed milk layer was too thin—let them chill longer next time.
  • The edges will always bake faster and slightly darker than the center, and that's exactly how they should be; slightly crispy edges with a chewy middle is the texture goal.
03 -
  • Toast your coconut in a dry skillet for two minutes before layering if you want to amplify its nutty flavor without adding extra fat.
  • Cut the bars while slightly cool with a sharp knife dipped in hot water—it prevents dragging and keeps the edges clean.
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