Magic Cookie Bars

 

                         Summer Fun-Splashing About

Sharing a great photo sent my way by a neighbor.

Sending you off for your Labor Day Weekend of fun with a classic treat- Magic Cookie Bars. 

They are easy to make and always a hit no matter the age. So what are Magic Bars? The name really says it all. Magic bars are a rich, delicious dessert bar with a buttery graham cracker crust and layers of chocolate, butterscotch, pecans, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk to make everything gooey and extra sweet.

These company-worthy bars are perfect to take to a potluck, party, picnic, or to make for your family. I believe in magic! Do you? You will after one bite:) basically, dessert heaven with these bars.  

Cook's Notes: One thing I appreciated about this recipe is most of the ingredients are easy to remember and follow using a one-cup measurement. A personal opinion for me the bars seem to taste better when chilled. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2- 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (use a food processor) 
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on bars, optional

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray generously with nonstick cooking spray a 9×9-inch pan, set aside.
• Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds or until butter is melted. Remove from the microwave and add the graham cracker crumbs to the bowl. Stir with a fork until crumbs are well moistened with butter.
• Pour the crumbs into the prepared pan. Press them tightly into an even layer with your fingers. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press down on the crumbs to make sure they are firmly in the pan.
• Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker crust. Next, add the butterscotch chips and then the chopped pecans.
• Add the ½ teaspoon of vanilla to the sweetened condensed milk can and carefully stir. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the chips and pecans. You can gently spread with a spatula to make sure the bars are covered.
• Top with shredded coconut and gently press down with the palms of your hands to make sure the coconut sticks. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges of the bars are golden brown and the coconut is slightly toasted.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, about 1 teaspoon. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
• When cool, cut into squares and enjoy!