There’s something undeniably magical about Hello Dolly Bars—a dessert that has been cherished for generations. These Magic Cookie Bars are an effortless yet indulgent treat made with layers of graham crackers, butter, chocolate, coconut, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just craving something sweet, these bars never disappoint!
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What Are Hello Dolly Bars?
Hello Dolly Bars, also known as Magic Cookie Bars, are a seven-layer dessert that originated in the mid-20th century. Their name comes from the popular Broadway musical Hello, Dolly!, which was famous around the same time these bars gained popularity. The combination of textures and flavors—crunchy, chewy, sweet, and nutty—makes them an all-time favorite in many households.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No mixing or complicated steps—just layer the ingredients and bake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, potlucks, bake sales, and holiday gatherings.
- Rich & Decadent: A little goes a long way with these flavorful bars.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: They store well and taste even better the next day!
Hello Dolly Bars Recipe
Prep & Cook Time
🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽 Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients
✅ 1 stick butter (melted)
✅ 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
✅ 1 ⅓ cups sweetened flake coconut (divided)
✅ 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
✅ 1 cup chopped pecans
✅ 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
Directions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Pour the melted butter into a 9×9-inch baking pan. Spread evenly.
3️⃣ Evenly distribute graham cracker crumbs over the butter and press them down to form the crust.
4️⃣ Layer 1 cup of coconut, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of chopped pecans over the crust. Press down gently.
5️⃣ Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers.
6️⃣ Sprinkle the remaining coconut and chocolate chips on top. Press the layers down once more.
7️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and golden brown.
8️⃣ Let the bars cool completely before slicing into 16-18 bars.
Pro Tip: These bars are rich, so small servings are just the right size!
The Secret to Perfect Hello Dolly Bars
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
The flavor of Hello Dolly Bars depends on using high-quality butter, chocolate, and pecans. Choose real butter for the best taste, and opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.
2. Evenly Layer the Ingredients
To ensure each bite is well-balanced, spread your layers evenly and press them down slightly before baking. This keeps the bars from crumbling apart.
3. Let Them Cool Completely
The bars need time to set properly before slicing. Cutting them too soon will cause them to fall apart. Let them cool at room temperature, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
4. Store Them Properly
These bars store well at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Hello Dolly Bars is their versatility. Here are some fun variations:
- Nut-Free: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit them altogether.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust.
- White Chocolate & Cranberry: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for a nutty flavor.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle with caramel sauce before baking and sprinkle with sea salt after cooling.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Hello Dolly Bars
While these bars are delicious on their own, they also pair well with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The perfect contrast to the rich, chewy bars.
- Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness balances the sweetness of the bars.
- A Glass of Milk – A classic pairing that enhances every bite.
- Whipped Cream – Lightens up the dense texture of the bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Hello Dolly Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or refrigerate for two weeks.
2. Can I freeze Hello Dolly Bars?
Absolutely! Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I make these bars without coconut?
Yes, simply omit the coconut or replace it with an extra cup of chopped nuts or oats.
4. How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining your pan with parchment paper will make it easier to remove the bars and cut them into clean slices.
Print
Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars 🍪✨
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
There’s something special about these Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars—a dessert that’s been passed down through generations, bringing smiles to every gathering. With seven layers of buttery, chocolatey, coconutty goodness, these bars are the perfect sweet treat for holidays, potlucks, or just because! I remember my grandmother making these, and the smell alone brings back so many warm memories. Give them a try, and share the magic with your loved ones!
Ingredients
✅ 1 stick butter (melted)
✅ 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
✅ 1 ⅓ cups sweetened flake coconut (divided)
✅ 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
✅ 1 cup chopped pecans
✅ 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F.
2️⃣ Melt butter and pour it into a 9×9 baking pan.
3️⃣ Evenly spread graham cracker crumbs over the butter and gently press down.
4️⃣ Layer 1 cup of coconut, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of chopped pecans on top. Press down gently.
5️⃣ Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers.
6️⃣ Sprinkle the remaining coconut and chocolate chips on top. Press layers down again.
7️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the center is set and golden brown.
8️⃣ Let cool completely, then slice into 16-18 bars. Enjoy
Notes
These bars are rich, so small servings are just the right size!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
Final Thoughts
Whether you call them Hello Dolly Bars, Magic Cookie Bars, or 7-Layer Bars, one thing is for sure—these treats are pure bliss! The combination of buttery graham cracker crust, gooey chocolate, toasted coconut, and crunchy pecans makes for an unforgettable dessert.
This recipe is simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser. Make a batch today and enjoy the magic of Hello Dolly Bars with friends and family! Let us know in the comments how you customize yours! 🍪✨