Magic 7 Layer Cookie Bars (2024)

Magic cookie bars (also called 7 layer bars or hello dolly bars) are sweet chewy heaven piled high with seven layers of sweet treats.

Seven layer bars are always the first thing I look for at any bake sale (followed closely by homemade chocolate chip cookies). There’s just not much that beats that chewy combo of chocolate, butterscotch, coconut and nuts.

Magic Cookie Bars (7 Layer Bars)

Magic Cookie Bar Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs – Crush your own or grab a box of the crumbs in the baking aisle.
• Butter – Melted, I always use salted but unsalted is fine too.
• Sweetened condensed milk – NOT evaporated milk!
• Chocolate chips – Semisweet.
• Butterscotch chips – White chocolate would be a great swap if you don’t love butterscotch.
• Coconut flakes – Sweetened (also sometimes called shredded coconut).
• Walnuts – Chopped (almonds or pecans would also be delicious).

What are magic cookie bars?

They are seven layers of sweet delicious heaven is what they are! We actually grew up calling them 7 Layer Bars (and apparently some folks call them Hello Dolly Bars).

These dessert bars were made popular by Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk and are piled high with seven layers of sweet texture filled ingredients that go together so very very perfectly.

How do you make 7 layer bars? (Step-by-step)

⭐ First, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, and press firmly onto the bottom of a casserole dish.

⭐ Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly all over the graham cracker crumbs.

⭐ Then, layer the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut flakes and walnuts and press down firmly. Drizzle with a little extra sweetened condensed milk, if desired.

⭐ Finally, bake, until coconut has started to turn a golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Preparation

Can you make magic cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these several days in advance. They’re actually not even cut until they’re fully cooled so no worries if you’re not able to enjoy them right away.

Do 7 layer bars need to be baked?

This recipe does require baking so it will firm up. You’ll want to bake it and then allow it to cool completely before eating.

Can I double the recipe?

Sure, I would use a roasting pan if you double this recipe. A baking sheet would be big enough, but I’m not sure it would be deep enough.

So long as you keep the thickness of the bars about the same, cook time should not change.

Storage and leftovers

How long do magic bars last?

Magic bars will last 3 – 4 days at room temperature up to a week in the refrigerator, or up to 6 months in the freezer.

Do you have to refrigerate 7 layer bars?

These do not require refrigeration unless the environment is going to be warm enough to melt the chocolate. In which case, pop them in the fridge.

Can they be frozen?

Yes! You can totally freeze these – make a giant batch and bring them out as needed. They stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months if wrapped and sealed in a freezer safe container.

The bars will still be safe to eat after 6 months, they will just not taste quite as good.

Tips and tricks

🧈 Parchment paper is truly your friend with this recipe. Greasing the dish will work, but parchment will work better.

🍫 Try swapping the butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.

🍒 Add some tartness with a layer of dried cranberries or dried cherries.

🌖 Make a double batch and store these in the freezer as single servings for an easy late night treat.

What to eat with 7 layer magic bars (serving suggestions)

These always remind me of holiday parties, so typically find myself serving them alongside yummy finger foods like pizza crescent roll ups, chicken sliders, or taquitos. It’s also fun to make a big batch of strawberry peach sherbet punch!

More dessert bar recipes

• Sugar cookie bar recipe
• Lemon bars with shortbread crust
• Salted caramel chocolate bars
• Oatmeal toffee chocolate chip bars
• See all our dessert bar recipes

What else can you do with sweetened condensed milk?

• Pumpkin cheesecake recipe
• Key lime pie
• Simple pumpkin pudding
• Coffee Jelly
• See all our recipes with sweetened condensed milk!

More yummy coconut recipes

• Coconut shrimp recipe
• Blueberry coconut soft serve ice cream
• Coconut curry noodle soup
• No churn pineapple ice cream
• See all our recipes with coconut!

Tools we love

• Glass casserole dish – I love this dish because it can go oven to freezer, and it has a fitted lid.
• Metal spatula – This guy is perfect for serving the perfect slice.

How to Make Magic Cookie Bars