Shortbread Magic Cookie Bars

Monday, September 28, 2020
Oh my goodness the many names this cookie bar has started with magic cookie bars.


They're also known as 7 layer cookies, chocolate coconut cookie bars, and hello dolly bars.


The usual crust from the 1960s is made with graham crackers, I changed it up a bit making a shortbread buttery crust instead.


Everyone raved about how the crust melts in your mouth with that delicious crunch then smothered with creamy condensed milk almost mounds bar topping.


My family isn't big on adding nuts however you can add them and honestly if you do, toast them first they make a huge difference.


Cookie bars are so much easier to make than mixing cookie dough and making individual ones, these are all in one pan, cooled cut and viola done in 25 minutes.


If you love coconut great but these are so versatile you can add many other additions and omit whatever you're not fond of right?


We love easy recipes like this one, you may remember these simple delights Dark Chocolate Cake Mix Cake Banana Cake Mix Cake or my 4 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake.


Scroll down to the recipe card for this delicious cookie bar and it's printable, read my other suggestions I have to make these different each time.



these are a 7 layer magic cookie bar with coconut, chocolate chips and pecans






The Best Cookie Crust Ever



If you prefer the graham cracker old-fashioned crust I got you covered, that will be in the recipe card at the bottom so don't worry.

I really love the shortbread crust because it stays together and really makes these a gourmet cookie bar.

Everyone has their own ideas on what can go on top of these classic cookie bars so check out my topping suggestions below.

this is a hello dolly bar with coconut and chocolate chips


Other Topping Additions:

  1. peanut butter chips
  2. mint chocolate chips
  3. toffee chips
  4. substitute chopped pretzels for nuts
  5. not a coconut lover? add dried fruits like cranberries
  6. for Christmas, colors add chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips
  7. white, milk, and dark chocolate chunks
  8. chopped peanut butter cups
  9. Andes candies chopped
  10. chopped unwrapped caramels
  11. pumpkin seeds for nut allergies


these are a pan of magic cookie bars with condensed milk, chocolate chips and coconut


Ingredients You Will Need (scroll down for exact measurements)

  • brown sugar
  • vanilla
  • butter
  • flour
  • salt
  • sweetened condensed milk
  • coconut
  • assorted chocolate chips
  • Optional: nuts or pumpkin seeds


these are 3 cookies bars called 7 layer cookies


Tools

  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • mixing bowl
  • fork or spatula
  • nut chopper if using
  • 9 x 9 baking pan
  • parchment paper


this is raw magic cookie bars in a pan


Pin for Later



this is a pin for later for making magic cookie bars


More Recipes To Try


1960s Pistachio Cake Mix Pound Cake

Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies


this is a pan of hello dolly 7 layer cookie bars


Layered Cookies


These are so versatile and you can make them with so many different toppings.


During the holiday season, I also like to use colorful sprinkles to match the theme, that's even another option.


Just remember to mix and match whatever kinds of candy, chocolate chips, and get creative and name your own 7 layer bar cookies whatever you want!.




Shortbread Magic Cookie Bars
Print

Shortbread Magic Cookie Bars

Yield: 20
Author: Claudia Lamascolo
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 40 Min
Buttery crust layered with coconut, chocolate chips, and a creamy topping that melts in your mouth delicious! These have so many names, 7 layer cookie bars, hello dolly bars just to name a few!

Ingredients

  • Shortbread Crust:
  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2-1/4 cup flour leveled and fluffed so it's even
  • pinch of salt
  • Topping:
  • 1 - 14 - ounces can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 cups mixture of dark and milk chocolate chips
  • Optional Additions: 1 cup  chopped pecans, walnuts or pistachios,1 cup peanut butter or butterscotch chips ( you can use 1 cup of each)
  • Note: for graham cracker crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • Mix together press into the pan (the crumbs do not need prebaking just layer the same way and bake for 25 minutes.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9 x9 baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. (the paper makes them easier to remove from the pan)
  3. In a medium-size bowl add the softened butter and brown sugar and using an electric mixer, beat until creamy and light around 3 minutes.
  4. Add the vanilla to combine then slowly mix in the flour.
  5. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  7. Sprinkle the crust with coconut (and nuts if using) 
  8. Pour the condensed milk on top then sprinkle with any of the chocolate chips you prefer. (I used milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips)
  9. Place the pan bake into the oven and bake at the same 350-degree temperature for 25 minutes.
  10. Cool completely.
  11. I usually refrigerate mine for around 20 minutes before scoring.
  12. Keep bars in an airtight container.

Calories

440.55

Fat (grams)

29.71

Sat. Fat (grams)

14.53

Carbs (grams)

39.21

Fiber (grams)

2.44

Net carbs

36.77

Sugar (grams)

29.38

Protein (grams)

6.87

Sodium (milligrams)

195.79

Cholesterol (grams)

33.14
7 layer cookie bars, magic cookie bars, shortbread magic cookie bars, condensed milk bars, coconut bars
cookies, bars, dessert, cake squares, cookies squares
American
Created using The Recipes Generator




Pin for Later



this is a pin for later how to make 7 layer cookies


Recipes to Try



Cake Mix Blueberry Muffins

Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies

4 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake Mix Cake


this is a hello dolly bar with coconut and chocolate chips