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Dessert bars are a GO-TO in our home, and we often whip up these magic cookie bars! They are quick, easy, and can feed a crowd.
Similar to 7 Layer Bars, this recipe is filled with plenty of delicious gooey layers (a cookie base, coconut, condensed milk, chocolate chips, and MORE!)
We’ve made these for as long as we can remember and love them for so many reasons aside from the layers of flavor! We start with a cookie mix to keep these extra easy – just 5 minutes of prep. Plus these are perfect for making ahead of time and can serve about a dozen people! What’s not to love?!
For more magic treats or to bake the base layer from scratch, try our traditional cookie bars!
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Everything but the kitchen sink. These bars are filled with so many delicious flavors, starting with a Chocolate Chip Cookie base!
- Just layer and bake! These quick and easy magic bars are ready in under 45 minutes.
- Freeze for later. Cookie bar recipes are great for freezing to pull out when unexpected company arrives.
Magic Cookie Bar Ingredients and Substitutions
- 1 (17.5-ounce) package Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix – We love to use a mix to keep it simple, but you could also try this Cookie Bar recipe.
- ½ cup butter – see How to Soften Butter Quickly
- 1 egg
- 1 cup butterscotch chips – We love using butterscotch chips, but peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips can also be used.
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips – or semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup flaked coconut – We like to use sweetened coconut for the best flavor and texture, but unsweetened can also be used.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk – Make sure you do not use evaporated milk, the two are quite different and your dessert will not turn out.
- optional toppings – For an extra magical bar add an extra topping or two such as toffee bits, a sprinkle of cinnamon, graham cracker crumbs, or chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
How to Make Magic Cookie Bars
- PREP. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- COOKIE LAYER. In a large bowl, mix the package of Betty Crocker cookie mix, butter, and egg until well combined and the dough forms. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake for 14-16 minutes.
- TOP LAYER. Once baked, sprinkle on butterscotch chips, milk chocolate chips, and coconut over the cookie layer. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top.
- BAKE. Bake for 25-30 minutes longer or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- We most often use cookie mix for this quick, easy, and delicious treat, but will sometimes make the dough from scratch using this Cookie Bar recipe and top it as listed in the recipe.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it incredibly easy to lift the bars out once they’re cooled.
- Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
Magic Cookie Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (17.5-ounce) package Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Once baked, sprinkle butterscotch chips, milk chocolate chips, and coconut over the cookie layer. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes longer or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Video
Notes
- You can make the base from scratch using this Cookie Bar recipe and top it as listed in the recipe.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it incredibly easy to lift the bars out once they’re cooled.
- Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then once the bars have cooled lift the entire block out of the pan. From there use a sharp kitchen knife to cut, and wipe the blade clean as needed.
Store baked bars in an airtight container for about 3-5 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap each bar with plastic wrap and place them together in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating.
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Recipe from Betty Crocker.
This recipe was originally published October 2017.
I super love the texture of these magic bars! They’re delicious and delightful! I could eat it all day!
I made these cookies for a family gathering, and they disappeared in minutes! The combination of butterscotch chips and coconut with the classic mix was a game-changer. Everyone asked for the recipe!
Ok, you got me. These cookies are magical. I couldn’t stop eating them!!