Name: Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 can (14 oz sweetened condensed milk); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup shredded coconut; ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Indulge in the magic of cookie bars with this enchanting recipe! These layers of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and nuts create a heavenly dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet treat that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests!

Ingredients

– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes approximately 16 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 bar) contains approximately:
– Calories: 200
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 26g
– Sugars: 16g
– Protein: 2g
(This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.)

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
4. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the condensed milk layer.
6. Add shredded coconut on top of the chocolate chips.
7. Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly across the top.
8. Drizzle with vanilla extract for added flavor.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.

Alternative Ingredients

You can easily customize this recipe by substituting the chocolate chips with butterscotch or white chocolate chips. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers. If you prefer, you can omit the nuts or replace them with seeds for a nut-free version.

Serving and Pairings

These magic cookie bars are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover magic cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and enjoy at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Cooking Mistakes

Using too much butter can make the crust soggy.
Overbaking can lead to dry bars; watch them closely.
Forgetting to grease the pan may cause sticking.
Not allowing the bars to cool before cutting can result in messy slices.
Using sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened can make the bars overly sweet.

Helpful Tips

– Use a glass baking dish for even cooking.
– Press the crust firmly for a sturdy base.
– Experiment with different mix-ins like dried fruits or other chocolates.
– Allow the bars to cool completely for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make magic cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste great even after sitting overnight.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or a mixture of crushed cookies for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when they are golden brown around the edges and the center is set. A slight jiggle is normal; they will firm up as they cool.

Can I add other flavors?

Absolutely! You can incorporate various flavors by adding extracts like almond or mint, or even mix in some spices like cinnamon for extra warmth.

Are these bars gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or another suitable alternative for the crust.

Conclusion

Magic cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines various textures and flavors, making them a beloved dessert for many. Easy to prepare and customize, they’re perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the magic in every bite!