Eagle Brand Magic Cookie Bars
“`html
One of my favorite childhood memories is baking with my mom. She wasn’t (and isn’t) a terribly adventurous baker; she’s more the type to bake the same few things over and over again — basic fudgy brownies, chocolate chip cookies, the occasional peanut butter cookie, and these Magic Cookie Bars. Her recipe came straight from the Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk that goes in them, though I can’t remember if it was right off the can or something she pulled out of a magazine. Nevertheless, they have long been one of my favorite treats. Ooey, gooey, and so sweet and rich — for me, they’re an indulgent taste of childhood that I always look forward to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For something that’s so indulgent with so many layers of flavor, it’s surprising how few ingredients you need. Just six! That’s graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, chocolate chips, coconut, chopped nuts, and sweetened condensed milk. This means it’s a really great pantry recipe! You don’t need eggs or milk or any special ingredients. It’s stuff you can easily keep on hand.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small bowl
- Nonstick spray
- Fork
- Butter knife
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
- 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Top evenly with chocolate chips, coconut, and then nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
- Bake until lightly browned, about 25-30 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the sides, then cool the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cool, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Ensure that your crust is packed tightly to prevent it from crumbling when you cut the bars. Also, pressing the toppings firmly into the condensed milk helps them adhere well and creates a deliciously chewy texture.
Additional Tips or Variations
You can switch up the nuts or even try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile. If you’re a fan of peanut butter, consider swapping some chocolate chips for peanut butter chips.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
These magic cookie bars are a delightful treat but remember they’re quite rich. Each serving is packed with flavors and a good dose of sweetness, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you like or have on hand, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
Can these bars be frozen? Yes, they freeze well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container.
Conclusion
These Eagle Brand Magic Cookie Bars are a scrumptious treat that brings back delightful childhood memories. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your household too. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and let us know how they turn out!
“`