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Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars
Emily

Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs (about 9 crackers, finely crushed)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve 2 tbsp for topping)
  • 1 ¾ cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • 12 oz sweetened condensed milk (just under 1 full can)

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Electric hand mixer or sturdy spoon
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Prep the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Make the Cookie Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla and egg.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour, chocolate graham crumbs, baking powder, and salt until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Bake the Crust: Press dough evenly into prepared pan and bake for 5 minutes.
  5. Add the Layers: Remove from oven and sprinkle mini chocolate chips (reserving a little for garnish), coconut, and sliced almonds over the crust.
  6. Pour the Sweetness: Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, then sprinkle with reserved mini chips.
  7. Finish Baking: Return to oven for 25–30 minutes, tenting loosely with foil halfway to prevent over-browning. Bars should be set and lightly golden.
  8. Cool & Slice: Let cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled before cutting into 9–12 squares.

Notes

  • Cutting warm bars will cause the filling to ooze. Always cool first.
  • Tent with foil halfway through baking to avoid over-browning.
  • Measure your graham cracker crumbs after crushing for accuracy.