Classic Hello Dolly Bars: The Ultimate 7-Layer Magic Cookie Bar Recipe

Get ready to bake a batch of pure bliss with our timeless recipe for **Classic Hello Dolly Bars**! Also famously known as **Seven Layer Bars** or **Magic Bars**, these indulgent bar cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering, holiday celebration, or simply as a delightful everyday treat. Seriously, who can resist the allure of rich, sweet layers baked into a single, irresistible square?

This easy dessert promises a symphony of textures and flavors, with each bite delivering a harmonious blend of crunchy graham cracker, sweet coconut, melted chocolate, gooey butterscotch, and nutty pecans, all bound together by a luscious blanket of sweetened condensed milk. It’s a truly magical combination that comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.

A Timeless Family Favorite, Perfected

Our recipe for these delectable Hello Dolly Bars is inspired by a treasured family tradition, passed down through generations. While the core essence of my mother’s original recipe remains, I’ve made a couple of subtle enhancements to elevate its already incredible flavor profile. The first change involves doubling the amount of shredded coconut, ensuring an even more pronounced tropical sweetness and chewy texture throughout each bar. The second, and perhaps most significant, is the swap from margarine to real butter. Butter truly makes all the difference, imparting a richer, more authentic flavor and contributing to a superior, tender crust. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a non-negotiable for me!

If you’re looking for another delightful dessert, be sure to try our Strawberry Shortcake for a taste of summer!

What Are Hello Dolly Bars? The Anatomy of a Magic Cookie

For those unfamiliar, Hello Dolly Bars are a type of bar cookie characterized by their distinctive layered structure. Typically, they feature a buttery graham cracker base, followed by layers of various sweet ingredients like chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut flakes, and nuts, all generously drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. As the bars bake, the sweetened condensed milk caramelizes and acts as a magical binder, melding all the ingredients into a wonderfully chewy, gooey, and irresistible confection. The name “Magic Bars” comes from this effortless transformation of simple ingredients into a truly spectacular treat. “Seven Layer Bars” highlights the typical number of distinct ingredients that make up this dessert.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hello Dolly Bars

Creating these magical bars starts with gathering the right components. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available nature of its ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Butter: We use unsalted butter, melted directly in the baking pan. This creates a rich base for the graham cracker crust and adds incredible flavor.
• Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers form the quintessential crunchy base. You can use classic honey graham crackers or even chocolate graham crackers for a twist.
• Coconut Flakes: Sweetened shredded coconut is a must for that signature chewy texture and tropical aroma. We double the amount for extra indulgence!
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These provide a classic, comforting chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Butterscotch Chips: The unique caramel-like flavor of butterscotch chips adds another layer of depth and sweetness.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans offer a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery nuttiness. Feel free to substitute with other nuts if you prefer.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the “magic” ingredient! It drips down through the layers, caramelizing and binding everything together into a cohesive, gooey bar. Make sure you’re using sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.

Baking Your Classic Hello Dolly Cookies

Preparing these bars is incredibly straightforward. The key is in the layering, and once you have your ingredients prepped, assembly is a breeze.

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven is warming up, melt the butter directly in your 9×13 inch baking pan. This saves on washing an extra dish! Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
2. Crush the Graham Crackers: For the base, you’ll need finely crushed graham crackers. You can easily achieve this using a food processor for uniform crumbs, or by placing the crackers in a sturdy plastic baggie and crushing them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass.
3. Form the Crust: Sprinkle the crushed graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted butter in the baking pan. Gently press them down with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a compact, even crust.
4. Layer the Goodness: Now comes the fun part – layering! Evenly cover the graham cracker crust with the coconut flakes, followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped pecans. Try to distribute each ingredient as uniformly as possible to ensure every bite has a piece of everything.
5. Drizzle the Magic: Slowly and evenly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the top of all the layered ingredients. This sweet liquid will seep down and bind all the layers together during baking.

Baking and Cooling:

6. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the coconut topping is toasted. It’s crucial to watch them closely, especially towards the end of the baking time, as coconut can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.
7. Initial Cool Down: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the bars cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, run a knife around the edges of the baking dish. This helps loosen the bars and prevents them from sticking once fully cooled.
8. Complete Cooling is Key: This step is vital for perfectly formed bars! Allow them to cool completely at room temperature, ideally for several hours or even overnight, before attempting to slice them into squares. If you cut them too soon, the layers may not be fully set, resulting in a crumbly or messy bar.

Don’t forget to check out our comforting Bread Pudding for another sweet indulgence!

And for a zesty, sweet treat, our Lemon Sandwich Cookies are always a hit.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Hello Dolly Bars Every Time

• Even Layers: Distribute each layer of ingredients as evenly as possible. This ensures every bite of your bar cookie is balanced and delicious.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry bars and burnt coconut. Keep a close eye on them, especially after 20 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the center set but still slightly soft.
• Cool Completely: We can’t stress this enough! Patience is a virtue here. Allowing the bars to cool completely (several hours or even in the refrigerator) lets the sweetened condensed milk fully set, giving you clean, firm slices.
• Line Your Pan: For even easier removal and cleanup, consider lining your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This allows you to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan before cutting.
• Quality Ingredients: Using good quality butter, fresh nuts, and your favorite chocolate chips will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.

Customization and Variations: Make Them Your Own!

One of the best things about Hello Dolly Bars is how incredibly adaptable they are. While the classic combination is fantastic, feel free to get creative with your layers:

• Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips. A combination is always a good idea!
• Nuts: Instead of pecans, try chopped walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Toasted nuts add an extra depth of flavor.
• Add-ins: Incorporate other delicious elements like toffee bits, mini M&Ms, chopped pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch, or even dried cranberries for a tart counterpoint.
• Flavors: A dash of vanilla extract added to the melted butter for the crust, or a sprinkle of sea salt over the top before baking can enhance the flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Hello Dolly Bars are excellent on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few accompaniments. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. They are particularly popular at potlucks, bake sales, holiday parties, and family gatherings because they’re easy to transport and universally loved.

Storing and Freezing Hello Dolly Bars

• Storing: Once completely cooled, place your Hello Dolly Bars in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for about 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Refrigerating can sometimes make them a bit firmer, which some people prefer.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled and sliced, layer them between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hello Dolly Bars

Q: Why are they called Hello Dolly Bars?

A: While the exact origin is debated, many believe the name gained popularity around the time the Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” premiered in the mid-1960s. The dessert was often featured in promotional materials or simply named to capitalize on the show’s popularity. They are also widely known as Magic Bars or Seven Layer Bars.

Q: Can I use a different size baking pan?

A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will result in thicker bars that might require more baking time, while a larger pan will yield thinner bars that bake faster. Make sure the ingredients are spread evenly.

Q: How do I prevent the bars from being too sticky?

A: The most important step is to allow them to cool completely before cutting. If they are still warm, the sweetened condensed milk layer will be very gooey and messy. Refrigerating them for an hour or two after cooling can also help firm them up for cleaner slices.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Hello Dolly Bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer, making them perfect for parties or busy schedules.

Classic Hello Dolly Cookies Recipe Card

Hello Dolly Cookies are a crowd-pleasing bar cookie perfect for gatherings or just an everyday treat. An easy dessert that promises delicious layers of sweet goodness!

Course:
Cookie, Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Servings:
24

Calories:

234
kcal

Author:
Don’t Sweat The Recipe

Ingredients

• 
  
  1/2 cup butter, melted
  
  
• 
  
  1 1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed
  
  
• 
  
  1 cup coconut flakes
  
  
• 
  
  1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  
  
• 
  
  1 cup butterscotch chips
  
  
• 
  
  1 cup pecans, chopped
  
  
• 
  
  14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. While the oven is preheating, melt the butter in a 9×13 baking pan.
3. Crush the graham crackers in a food processor or baggie until fine crumbs are formed.
4. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan, then press lightly into the butter to form the crust.
5. Evenly cover the crust with the coconut flakes, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and pecans. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, ensuring it covers all ingredients.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the coconut is lightly toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning, as coconut browns quickly.
7. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the pan to prevent sticking.
8. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares. This ensures the layers are fully set and makes for clean cuts.

Notes

Cool completely before slicing. You want the layers to be fully set up for best results.

Storing – Let them cool completely, place them in an air-tight container, and store them at room temperature for about 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing – Layer between wax paper or parchment paper in an air-tight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories:
234
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
25
g

|

Protein:
3
g

|

Fat:
14
g

|

Saturated Fat:
8
g

|

Cholesterol:
17
mg

|

Sodium:
122
mg

|

Potassium:
150
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
19
g

|

Vitamin A:
175
IU

|

Vitamin C:
1
mg

|

Calcium:
61
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg

Conclusion

Whether you call them Hello Dolly Bars, Seven Layer Bars, or Magic Bars, one thing is certain: this recipe delivers pure joy in every square. Easy to make, incredibly customizable, and always a hit, these bar cookies are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest combinations create the most unforgettable desserts. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds (and those of your friends and family) with this truly classic treat!