Cherry Magic Cookie Bars are sweet and packed with flavor. With layers of gooey cherries, crunchy nuts, and a buttery crust, each bite is a tasty treat!
These bars are so easy to make, even my dog could do it—though I might not trust him with the oven! 😂 I love having them with a cold glass of milk. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds the best flavor to these bars. If you need a dairy-free option, use a vegetable oil or coconut oil instead. Just be mindful that it may alter the texture slightly.
Graham Crackers: These are the base of the crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a different taste.
Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut is a must for that chewy texture. If you’re looking for less sweetness, opt for unsweetened coconut or leave it out altogether.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans work well for crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be a nice alternative.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate adds richness, but feel free to switch it up with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips if that suits your taste!
Cherries: Maraschino cherries are classic for this recipe, but fresh cherries or even raspberries can provide a nice tartness if you prefer a fruitier option.
How Do You Get the Perfect Layering in Your Magic Cookie Bars?
Layering is key in making these bars visually appealing and delicious. Here are some steps to help you get it right:
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan. This creates a solid base that holds the layers together.
- Evenly distribute the coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips. Use a light touch to avoid crushing the chips.
- When pouring the condensed milk, do it slowly and evenly to ensure all layers are coated without clumping.
Lastly, during baking, watch the edges closely. You want them golden but not burnt, as this will ensure your bars have a great texture!
Cherry Magic Cookie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (about 12-15 cherries)
- Optional: extra shredded coconut for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to cool the bars completely before cutting—this could take another 30 minutes or so!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Mix them together until the mixture resembles wet sand. It should feel moist but crumbly.
Press this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid crust. Make sure to press it down firmly for the best results!
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut evenly over the crust. Next, add the chopped walnuts or pecans, followed by an even layer of semisweet chocolate chips.
Now, slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over all the layers. Try to cover the entire surface evenly without letting it pool in one spot!
4. Add the Cherries:
Take your maraschino cherries and place them on top of the mixture, making sure they’re spaced out evenly. Gently press down on each cherry so they stick into the mixture a bit.
If you like, sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top for a nice finishing touch!
5. Bake & Cool:
Pop the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for the edges to turn golden brown with a set center.
Once they’re done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack. This might take about 30 minutes, but be patient—it will be worth it!
6. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them up and enjoy every gooey, cherry-filled bite! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Enjoy these delightfully rich and gooey cherry-topped bars! They make a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delicious substitute. Just pit and chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the top. Keep in mind that fresh cherries might create a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I Make These Cookie Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crumb mixture in place of traditional graham crackers to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive folks.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover Cherry Magic Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to a week for a chilled treat!
Can I Freeze Cherry Magic Cookie Bars?
Yes! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
