Hello Dolly Cookies - Magic Cookie Bars

24 bars servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 30 m Total: 40 m Beginner
4.0/5 (1)
Hello Dolly Cookies - Magic Cookie Bars
Hello Dolly Cookies, also known as Magic Cookie Bars, are an easy layered bar cookie with graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans all bound together with sweetened condensed milk. No mixing required—just layer and bake!

Ingredients

24 bars servings
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 can condensed milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Melt butter and pour into a 13x9 inch cake pan, spreading to coat the bottom evenly.
  3. Layer graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted butter, then sprinkle the shredded coconut on top. DO NOT STIR!
  4. Add the chocolate chips in an even layer, then sprinkle the chopped pecans over everything.
  5. Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of all the layers.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the condensed milk has set.
  7. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my Hello Dolly bars falling apart when I cut them?

A: Make sure to let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. The condensed milk needs time to set up and act as the "glue" that holds all the layers together. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the pan for an hour before slicing.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A: While you can use margarine, butter provides better flavor. The first ingredient listed in the recipe says "butter" but the method_steps mention "margarine"—either works, but butter is preferred for richer taste.

Tips and Techniques

For easier serving, line your 13x9 pan with parchment paper before adding the melted butter, leaving some overhang on the sides. This way you can lift the entire batch out and cut cleaner bars without scratching your pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • chocolate chips: butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips
  • pecans: walnuts or almonds
  • shredded coconut: more nuts or toffee bits
  • graham cracker crumbs: crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate cookie crumbs

Equipment Needed

  • 13x9 inch baking pan
  • small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)

Historical Context

Hello Dolly bars are named after the popular 1964 Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” starring Carol Channing. They became a potluck and church social staple across the South for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing combination of flavors.