Layer Cookies (Magic Layer Bars)

"I can still remember the first time I had one of these cookies at a church picnic as a kid...MMmmm. I've loved them ever since. Easy to make and always popular. A classic!"
 
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photo by Jonathan Melendez photo by Jonathan Melendez
photo by Jonathan Melendez
photo by Jonathan Melendez photo by Jonathan Melendez
photo by Jonathan Melendez photo by Jonathan Melendez
photo by Marg (CaymanDesigns) photo by Marg (CaymanDesigns)
photo by Marg (CaymanDesigns) photo by Marg (CaymanDesigns)
Ready In:
40mins
Ingredients:
7
Yields:
16 large cookies
Serves:
16
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ingredients

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directions

  • Place melted butter in a 9 x 13 baking pan. Spread graham cracker crumbs over top. (I actually prefer to melt my butter in the microwave, mix in the graham cracker crumbs and then pat into the pan. It makes a more even bottom crust, I think.).
  • Layer the coconut and chips in order given. Pour sweetened condensed milk over all. Top with nuts. DO NOT mix together.
  • Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. (Please check earlier if your oven runs hot!).

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Reviews

  1. I love these cookies, I remember making them with my mother when I was a little girl. We left the graham crackers whole though; and the final cookie is not crumbly. I line the 9x13 pan with parchment paper, then make an entire layer of whole graham crackers. Make them whatever size to make a full layer, then pour the 1/2 c. of melted butter on top. Proceed with the other ingredients, as per the recipe. (I use pecans).
     
  2. This is an excellent recipe which makes delicious bars but I wanted to make a suggestion about the method. I saw this recipe on an internet video but the woman put in the condensed milk first on top of the crushed biscuits and then topped it with the coconut, chocolate chips and nuts leaving a few choc chips for the top layer. Then she pressed down gently on the pan with a spatula and then baked the bars. I found this method far superior to the other method of adding the condensed milk at the end because the ingredients tend to get spread more evenly and I have a terrible time pouring the condensed milk evenly over the top. I found this other method even easier to follow and highly recommend both the method and the biscuit bars.
     
  3. I use fat free condensed milk and tastes just as good and you cut out half of the fat, sugar, and calories. Delicious!
     
  4. So good and easy but I think 25 minutes is way too long. It should be like 10 to 15. Mine were overdone but managed to save most of them. So just be aware it may be too long.
     
  5. I fixed these today but instead of using butterscotch I substituted caramel bites. They were wonderful.
     
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Tweaks

  1. I have made these for years and they are my son's favorite. The recipe I have uses crushed vanilla wafers instead of the graham cracker crumbs and I like it better. We call them "Magic Cookie Bars." I find the bars hold together better if you press down lightly as you add the nuts and chocolate chips. Definitely a winner!
     
  2. I have been making these for years and no matter where I go, they are always enjoyed and eaten in a snap. I too sometimes use the heath bars and sometimes milk chocolate chips instead of the butterscotch chips and it gives them another whole dimension. I love them with pistashios or cashews too for a nice change. Great recipe to have on hand when you have kids who need to bring a treat to school or to a party. Kids love these and rave about them. Wendy
     
  3. I made these awhile ago and forgot to rate them...they are great!! Everyone loved them. I used peanut butter chips instead of butterscotch and chocolate graham crackers. YUMMY!!
     

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

With the changes to the email notifications and removal of private messaging, I am no longer able to respond to questions about my recipes. Yet another feature change that has made the website less user friendly. It's sad to watch a fantastic site deteriorate over the years. Some of my recipes are on my blog.
 
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