These Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars are a dreamy dessert inspired by the classic candy bar. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of shredded coconut, sliced almonds, and rich chocolate chips—all brought together with a gooey drizzle of sweetened condensed milk—these bars are easy to make and even easier to devour.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Tastes just like an Almond Joy in cookie bar form
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Easy to layer and bake in one pan
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No fancy equipment or mixers required
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Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday trays
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Naturally customizable with your favorite add-ins
Ingredients Breakdown
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
Forms the buttery base layer with a toasty crunch. -
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Adds chewy texture and tropical flavor reminiscent of Almond Joy candy. -
½ cup sliced almonds
Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast to the sweet layers. -
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Provides rich, chocolatey goodness in every bite. -
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Binds all the ingredients and creates a gooey, luscious texture. -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Helps form the crust and adds buttery depth to the bars. -
¼ teaspoon salt
Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
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Tips for Success
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Use parchment paper for clean and easy removal from the pan.
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Cool completely before slicing to get sharp, clean edges.
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Press down gently on the toppings before baking to help bind them together.
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For extra coconut flavor, use sweetened coconut flakes instead of unsweetened.
Variations and Customizations
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Add white chocolate chips for a twist on flavor and color
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Use chopped almonds instead of sliced for added crunch
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Try flavored sweetened condensed milk (like coconut or caramel) for a unique spin
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Top with mini marshmallows for a gooey layer
Pairing Suggestions
These cookie bars pair well with:
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Iced coffee or espresso
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Vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
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Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries
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A tall glass of cold milk
Storage Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5–7 days in a sealed container.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened coconut?
Yes, but reduce the amount slightly to prevent the bars from being overly sweet.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish (like 9×13 or 11×15) and adjust baking time slightly.
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What’s the best way to slice these cleanly?
Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
PrintAlmond Joy Magic Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars are irresistibly rich and chewy, featuring layers of graham cracker crust, coconut, almonds, and chocolate chips—all held together with sweetened condensed milk.
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Ingredients
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
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½ cup sliced almonds
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust
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In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt.
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Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
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Press evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a firm crust.
3. Layer the Ingredients
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Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the crust.
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Add the sliced almonds and then the chocolate chips in an even layer.
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Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, covering as much surface as possible.
4. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
5. Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
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These bars firm up more as they cool, making them ideal for gifting or traveling.
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To add a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate on top after baking.
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For a nut-free version, substitute sliced almonds with crushed graham crackers or sunflower seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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