Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Chocolate Magic Cookie Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, rich chocolate layer, crunchy nuts, sweet dried cranberries, and toasty coconut flakes, topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate. These bars combine a variety of textures and flavors, baked to perfection and chilled for the best slicing experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs (from 12 to 13 whole graham crackers)
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling & Topping
- 14-ounce can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons (11g) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-process or natural
- 3/4 cup (128g) bittersweet chocolate chips, divided
- 3/4 cup (107g) hazelnuts or almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup (29g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (30g) large flake coconut, unsweetened
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with a parchment sling or a reusable silicone liner, then lightly grease the sides to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Mix Chocolate Layer: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Pour this chocolate mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle 1/2 cup (85g) of the bittersweet chocolate chips over the chocolate layer. Then evenly distribute the chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and unsweetened coconut flakes on top.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are done when the coconut flakes on top are lightly toasted and the filling is set.
- Drizzle Melted Chocolate: While the bars are baking or shortly after they come out of the oven, melt the remaining 1/4 cup (43g) bittersweet chocolate chips. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the baked bars for an extra layer of chocolate flavor.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes to set properly. To make cutting easier and allow flavors to meld, refrigerate the bars for an additional 30 minutes before slicing.
- Storage: Store leftover bars well covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars; thaw before serving.
Notes
- Press the crust firmly to ensure it holds together well.
- Use a parchment sling for easy removal of bars from the pan.
- The coconut should be lightly toasted when done baking for optimal flavor and texture.
- Chilling before slicing helps the bars hold their shape and makes cutting cleaner.
- To customize, nuts can be substituted or omitted based on preference or allergies.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Magic Cookie Bars, Chocolate Bars, Easy Dessert, Magic Cookie Bars, Graham Cracker Crust, No Bake Bars, Holiday Dessert
