Magic Cookie Bars (Hello Dolly Bars)

Rich, chewy Magic Cookie Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, coconut, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk.

Course baked goods, Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings bars

Calories 281kcal

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs about 10 to 11 full graham cracker sheets should give you 1½ cups of fine crumbs.
½ cup butter melted
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup shredded coconut I used the unsweetened, thread-like kind
½ cup chopped pecans
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

Get prepped. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Melt ½ cup butter and measure out all remaining ingredients.
Make the crust. Stir 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together until evenly coated. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure the crust reaches the corners. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until set. This quick bake helps prevent a soggy bottom and gives the bars structure.
Layer the filling. Sprinkle 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Add 1 cup shredded coconut in an even layer, followed by ½ cup chopped pecans. Slowly drizzle an entire 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk over the top, working close to the edges so it soaks through evenly.
Bake. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center looks set, not wet or jiggly.
Cool and slice. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For the cleanest slices, chill for at least 1 hour before cutting. Lift out using the parchment and slice into 16 bars.