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If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself staring into your pantry late at night, craving something sweet but refusing to tackle a complicated dessert. Enter: Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand. These beauties are the ultimate comfort dessert — chewy, chocolatey, nutty, and unapologetically indulgent. They’re also known as Magic Cookie Bars, and trust me, that name isn’t an exaggeration.
I still remember the first time I made these Eagle Brand Cookie Bars with my grandmother. She handed me a can of sweetened condensed milk and said, “This is the magic.” And she was right. That creamy, rich Eagle Brand milk transforms simple layers of graham crackers, coconut, and chocolate chips into something dreamy. Whether you call them Condensed Milk Cookie Bars, Chocolate Coconut Bars, or just “heaven in a pan,” you’re about to bake your new go-to dessert bar recipe. 😋
So grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let’s whip up some Easy Cookie Bars that’ll make you the hero of every bake sale, family dinner, and midnight snack raid. Ready? Let’s bake this magic.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (for that buttery crust)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup flaked coconut (sweetened or unsweetened — your call)
- ¾ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Pinch of salt (optional but makes flavors pop!)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until fully moistened. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Pour the entire can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Don’t mix—just pour and let it coat like a silky blanket of sweetness.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the milk layer.
- Add a layer of coconut flakes for that chewy, tropical twist.
- Top it off with chopped nuts and a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Press everything gently with the back of a spatula so the layers bond together while baking.
- Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares or bars. (I know waiting is torture, but it’s worth it.)
- Serve, snack, and store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
Variations
Feeling a little extra? Here are some creative twists for your Homemade Cookie Bars:
- Peanut Butter Dream: Add ½ cup peanut butter chips or swirl a few spoonfuls of peanut butter over the condensed milk layer before baking.
- Holiday Magic Bars: Mix in red and green M&M’s or crushed candy canes during Christmas for a festive touch.
- Tropical Paradise: Replace nuts with crushed pineapple or dried mango for fruity Coconut Cookie Bars.
Serving & Tips
Here’s how to make your Dessert Bar Recipe even better:
- Serve warm: Heat a bar for 10 seconds in the microwave and top it with vanilla ice cream. Thank me later.
- Drizzle it up: A drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate turns these Simple Dessert Bars into café-worthy treats.
- Storage tip: Keep them in the fridge if your kitchen gets warm—they’ll stay firm and chewy.
- Perfect for parties: Cut them into bite-size squares for easy Family Dessert Recipes at gatherings or bake sales.
These Baked Cookie Bars are not just for dessert—they’re the kind of treat you reach for when life needs a little sweetness. Whether it’s a cozy fall evening or a lazy Sunday, these bars bring comfort in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make these Eagle Brand Magic Bars, I think back to that first messy attempt in Grandma’s kitchen—me sneaking chocolate chips, her pretending not to notice. That’s the beauty of Easy Bar Recipes like this: they’re simple, nostalgic, and never fail to deliver joy.
So next time someone asks for your Best Cookie Bars Recipe, just smile and say, “Oh, it’s an old family secret.” 😉 Whether you serve them at holidays, parties, or just because you deserve something sweet, these Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand will always hit the spot. Go ahead—make them, share them, and enjoy the magic in every bite.
FAQs
Can I make Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container. They stay delicious for up to 5 days, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw before serving.
What type of coconut works best?
Both sweetened and unsweetened coconut work great. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, go for sweetened coconut. For a more natural, chewy texture, use unsweetened.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly for that gooey, fresh-baked vibe.
How do I make these bars nut-free?
Simply skip the nuts or replace them with extra coconut or crushed pretzels for crunch. You’ll still get that amazing Layered Cookie Bar texture without any allergens.
Can I use other types of chips?
Definitely! White chocolate, butterscotch, or dark chocolate chips all work beautifully. Mixing a few types gives you that “I know what I’m doing” flavor profile. 😉
Why use Eagle Brand condensed milk instead of other brands?
Eagle Brand is known for its creamy consistency and perfectly balanced sweetness. It’s the secret behind that rich, gooey layer that makes these Sweetened Condensed Milk Bars so addictive. IMO, it’s worth every spoonful.
