Magic cookie bars (also known as 7 layer bars) are made with a graham cracker crust, layered with sweetened condensed milk, topped with shredded coconut, chocolate and butterscotch chips, and sometimes nuts, making this dessert bar a sweet treat for the holiday season.
*Note: Calories and cost is estimated, if provided.
Equipment & Tools
9x13 Casserole Dish
Parchment paper
Bowl , microwave-safe
Spatula
Knife or Pizza Blade
Ingredients
Crust
2½cupsGraham crackers, crushed (about 3 sleeves)
¾cupSalted butter(or unsalted)
Topping
1½(14 oz) cansSweetened condensed milk, warmed
1½cupsShredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened (can use a mix or all of one kind)
1½cupsSemi-sweet chocolate chips
½cupButterscotch chips
1cupNuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350℉ / 175℃ and prepare 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper.
Place 2½ cups Graham crackers into a food processor and pulse a few times until you get a sandy consistency and most of the big pieces are broken up. You may also use a bag and a rolling pin to smash into pieces.
Mix the graham crackers with ¾ cup Salted butter, melted, press into prepared pan.
Place the 1½ (14 oz) cans Sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe container and microwave for 30 seconds or so to make it more runny.
Note: Next part is personal preference as well as the amounts of the coconut, chips and nuts can vary to preference. Amounts shown is the starting base.
METHOD 1 (Less mess while eating):
Mix 1½ cups Shredded coconut, 1½ cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup Butterscotch chips, and 1 cup Nuts with the sweetened condensed milk and stir all together until evenly coated.
Pour over the crust, use a spatula to distribute / even the topping out.
METHOD 2 (looks nicer but can be messier):
Spread the condensed milk over the crust, using a spatula to spread evenly.
Top with 1½ cups Shredded coconut, 1½ cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup Butterscotch chips, and 1 cup Nuts. Pressing it all down slightly into the sweetened condensed milk will help adhere it better and make it less likely to fall off later.
Bake & Cut
Bake in the oven for 25 - 30 mins or until the edges begin to brown and the top is lightly toasted.
Remove and let cool completely. Cut into bars with a sharp knife or a pizza cutter works great for this.
Storage
Place bars into an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or into the freezer for up to 3 months.