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Posted by Aimee 17 comments
Published: Jun 09, 2023 Last Updated: Jun 9, 2023
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The BEST, Easy Magic Cookie Bars recipe is now at your fingertips. You’ll love this 7 layer, chewy treat, that’s so versatile for holidays or a sweet treat any day!
Why This Recipe is Best
I have a confession.
It took me 45 years to try my first Magic Cookie Bar. And I’m not stopping now!
Have you tried these, or are you wondering, “what is a magic cookie bar?”
Magic Cookies Bars are layers of delicious ingredients that create a chewy, decadent bar….like magic.
Today’s version is a little more kid friendly than the original 7 Layer Bar! No coconut here.
I had a bag of pastel M&M’s candies left over in my pantry from Easter, so thought I would use it in this Magic Bar recipe.
- Graham cracker crust forms the base of these bars.
- A sweet and chewy cookie layer in the middle.
- LOADED with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and M&Ms!
Be sure to buy some extra candies to make our delicious next. Or add some to our !
Ingredient Notes
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – I prefer to pulse my own in the food processor, rather than using store-bought crumbs. But those will work in a pinch and save you a step.
- Quick Cook Oats –I don’t recommend substituting whole rolled oats or steel cut oats. They are not as processed and won’t soften as much in the cookie bars.
- Milk Chocolate Chips – These add great flavor and sweetness, but you could also substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
- Butterscotch Chips –You can find butterscotch chips in the baking aisle near the chocolate chips.
- M&M Candies – Any variety of M&Ms will work in these bars.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk –This helps create the fudgy cookie layer, doing most of the work for us!
How to Make Magic Bars
- STEP 1: Pulse the Crumbs. Melt butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs. Mix until crumbly.
- STEP 2: Make crust. Press graham cracker crumbs firmly into the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- STEP 3: Add toppings. Top the graham cracker crust with milk chocolate chips, quick cook oats, butterscotch chips and M&M’S candies.
- STEP 4: Add milk. Pour can of sweetened condensed milk all over the top. Bake and cool.
Tips and Tricks
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper to easily remove the bars once baked and help them release cleanly.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. The bars will be soft at first but they will firm up as they set and cool.
- Love nuts? Walnuts or toasted pecans go really well with this magic cookie bar recipe. Just add them on top when you add your chocolate chips!
- Additional add-ins. Feel free to add any of the following for extra magic if desired: peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, Reese’speanut butter cups, shredded toasted coconut and/or 1/2 cup light brown sugar.
Recipe FAQs
Can I add coconut to these magic bars?
Absolutely, and many recipes feature coconut. My husband is not a coconut fan, so I used quick cook oats instead. You can add 1 cup of sweetened, shredded coconut if you prefer (keep or remove the oats, your choice)!
How do I store Magic Bars?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature. (I prefer mine chilled.) They will keep for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze Magic Bars?
Yes! After they are baked and cooled, slice them into bars. Then slide them into a freeze safe ziploc bag (or container). Freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight at room temperature (or in the refrigerator).
More Cookie Bars
- Coconut Almond Bars
- Smores Cookie Bars – also with a graham cracker crust!
- Raspberry Shortbread Bars
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars
- Rainbow Bars
SavePinPrint
Magic Cookie Bars
4.77 from 17 votes
By: Aimee
The BEST, Easy Magic Cookie Bars recipe is now at your fingertips. You'll love this 7 layer, chewy treat, that's so versatile for holidays or any day!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 12 full size crackers
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup quick cook oats
- 1 cup butterscotch morsels
- 1 cup M&M’s candies any variety
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
Process graham crackers using a food processor to make fine crumbs. Add in melted butter. Mix with a fork until crumbly.
Press crumbs into the bottom of prepared baking pan.
Top crust with chocolate chips, oats, butterscotch, and M&M’S. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely.
Store in airtight container at room temperature or refrigerator (MY CHOICE).
Notes
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper to easily remove the bars once baked and help them release cleanly.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. The bars will be soft at first but they will firm up as they set and cool.
- Love nuts? Walnuts or pecans go really well with this magic cookie bar recipe. Just add them on top when you add your chocolate chips!
- Additional add-ins. Feel free to add any of the following for extra magic if desired: peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, Reese’speanut butter cups, shredded coconut and/or 1/2 cup light brown sugar.
- See blog post for more recipe tips and tricks.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bar, Calories: 233kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 62mg, Potassium: 120mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 182IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 74mg, Iron: 0.4mg
Course: Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!
Magic Cookie Bars are an easy, 7 layer cookie dessert. Chewy and decadent, you’ll love these for holidays or bake sales!
