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Alright, buckle up for one of our FAVORITE, seriously easy, and ridiculously yummy desserts: Hello Dolly bars!
Similar to our Magic Bars or 7-Layer Bars, these little squares of heaven are like a party in your mouth, and among the bars we make the most at our house! Likely named after the popular mid-1960s musical ‘Hello, Dolly!’, these simple and delicious layered bars became a hit around the same time, making the catchy name stick.
We’re talking layers of buttery graham cracker crust, sweet condensed milk, rich chocolate chips, crunchy nuts, and chewy coconut, all baked into one glorious, gooey bar. If you’re looking for a no-fuss treat that always delivers, you’ve just found it.
What makes Hello Dolly bars so darn amazing? Well, for starters, the simplicity is a huge win. You literally just layer the ingredients in a pan and bake – no complicated steps required! Get ready for some serious “yum!” moments.
For more bar favorites, try our Oh Henry Bars, No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars, and Almond Toffee Bars.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- So many flavors and textures! You get that buttery crunch from the crust, the gooey sweetness from the condensed milk and chocolate, and the delightful chewiness from the coconut and nuts.
- Just layer and bake! This easy dessert takes minutes to prep with just a handful of ingredients required.
- A favorite, reliable, easy-to-make treat. Hello Dolly bars are also the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re super easy to transport and can be cut into whatever size squares you need.
Hello Dolly Bars Ingredients and Substitutions
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs – or use vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies. To make crumbs, you will need about 12-16 full graham cracker sheets; pulse them in a food processor.
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips – or milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or peanut butter chips
- 1 cup flaked coconut – We use sweetened coconut, but unsweetened coconut will work too.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – Other nuts like walnuts or almonds can be used.
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk and NOT evaporated milk or other types of milk.
- extra toppings – add holiday sprinkles, mini M&Ms, toffee bits, or crushed pretzels
How to Make Hello Dolly Bars
- PREP. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish or line with parchment paper and set aside.
- LAYER. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans over the crumbs. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
- SERVE. Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- These are party perfect! When we make these for a party, we double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan.
- Lining the baking pan with parchment paper will make it easier to remove and cut even slices.
- To make crumbs, you will need about 12-16 full graham cracker sheets; pulse them in a food processor. You can also use vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies.
- Use sweetened condensed milk and allow time for the bars to set before cutting.
- Sprinkle on extra toppings like mini M&Ms, toffee bits, or crushed pretzels.
Hello Dolly Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans over the crumbs. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Video
Notes
- When making these for a party, double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan.
- Lining the baking pan with parchment paper will make it easier to remove and cut even slices.
- To make crumbs, you will need about 12-16 full graham cracker sheets; pulse them in a food processor. You can also use vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies.
- Use sweetened condensed milk and allow time for the bars to set before cutting.
- Sprinkle on extra toppings like mini M&Ms, toffee bits, or crushed pretzels.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Bake the Hello Dolly cookie bars 1-2 days in advance. Cover and store on the counter or in the fridge. To reheat, preheat the oven to 300-325°F and heat for 5-10 minutes.
Place the bars in an airtight container for 3-5 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or wrap each bar with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer Ziploc for about 3 months.
