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Home › Recipes
10 Comments

Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Updated: Oct 1, 2021

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This post may contain affiliate links.

Make the best Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars with this easy recipe that requires zero mixing or kitchen tools!  Loaded with chewy browned coconut, crunchy pecans, oodles of melted chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and a buttery graham cracker crust, these 7 layers of traditional southern goodness just happen to be the perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion.

A stack of 3 Hello Dolly Cookie Bars

Hello Dolly Cookie Bars Scripture- Romans 8:31

This is one of the simplest “baking” recipes I know, but the results are absolutely off the charts when it comes to heavenly dessert indulgence.  A delicious blend of flavor and texture with sumptuous melted chocolate to spare, Hello Dollies are a decadent cross between everything that’s delicious about the best cookies and holiday dessert bars.   

Sliced Hello Dolly Magic Cookies BarsFollow Southern Discourse on Pinterest!

 

What You Need To Make Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars

  • graham crackers
  • butter
  • sweetened flake coconut
  • semi sweet chocolate chips
  • chopped pecans
  • sweetened condensed milk

Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars sliced and ready to serve

 

The Origins of Hello Dolly Bars

How did such a wonderfully rich but easy dessert come to be?  According to Southern Living, Hello Dollies officially greeted the world back in 1965 when  11 year old Alecia Couch of Dallas, TX submitted this recipe to Clementine Paddleford’s food column in The Week magazine.  

Now, I’m not sure what’s more charming, little 11 year old Alecia sharing her grandmother’s recipe for print or Clementine Paddleford’s whimsical name.  Pseudonym or not, that’s some moniker.  Alecia it seems also had an affinity for magical handles and named her treats Hello Dollies.  Inspired by the Broadway musical?  All indications point to yes.

But a treat this delicious can’t go by a single name.  Hello Dollies are also known as Magic Cookie Bars, Magic Bars, Coconut Dream Bars & 7 Layer Bars  depending on where you live and who you know.

 

A view of the Hello Dolly's Layers

How to Make Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars

You might think some people call these Magic Bars because the simple way this recipe comes together almost seems like magic.  And that just might be true!  It’s almost impossible to believe that a baked good this delicious requires absolutely NO kitchen equipment!

  • This recipe begins by pouring melted butter in a 9×9 baking pan (Layer 1).  Then topping it with crushed graham crackers (Layer 2).  I usually use a zip top bag and rolling pin to crush my graham crackers, but a zip top bag and some eager volunteers to squeeze and crush those crackers do just as well.  
  • Layer on almost all of the coconut, chocolate chips and all of the pecans (Layers 3, 4, 5).
  • Open a can of sweetened condensed milk.  Drizzle all of the milk over the top of your layers (Layer 6).
  • Top with the rest of the chocolate chips and coconut (Layer 7).  Press down gently to bind together the layers.
  • Place in 350 degree oven and bake for 25-30 minutes to golden, gooey perfection.  Cool completely, slice and get ready to be swept off your feet!

NOTE:  Some folks like to add a layer of white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or toffee chips as their 7th layer.

 

Hello Dolly Cookie Bars cut into squares

 

How to store Hello Dolly Bars

  • These cookie bars can be stored with wax paper in between in an air tight container.
  • Refrigeration isn’t necessary, but they are yummy cold!
  • Hello Dollies last 2-3 days, but only if you have the best self control known to man.

 

Other Cookie & Brownie Recipes You’ll Love

  • Perfect Coconut Cookies with Pecans
  • Infamous Neiman Marcus Cookies
  • Gooey Black Bottom Pecan Pie Brownies
  • Classic Lemon Drop Crinkle Cookies
  • Loaded Strawberry Jam Brownies
  • Raspberry Thumbprint Coconut Macaroons

 

IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!

RATE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT OR SNAP A PHOTO.

Tag me on Instagram at #southerndiscourse

A stack of 3 Hello Dolly Cookie Bars

Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars

Make the best Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars with this easy recipe. Loaded with coconut, pecans, chocolate chips and a buttery graham cracker crust, these 7 layers of goodness are the perfect party dessert.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cookie, holiday, party
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Author: Stacey | SouthernDiscourse.com

Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 ½ C graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 ⅓ C sweetened flake coconut, separated
  • 1 ¼ C semi sweet chocolate chips, separated
  • 1 C chopped pecans
  • 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Melt butter in microwave and pour into bottom of 9x9 baking pan.
  • Top evenly with graham cracker crumbs to cover the bottom the pan. Press gently down into butter.
  • Evenly top with 1 C flaked coconut followed by 1 C chocolate chips and 1 C chopped pecans. Gently press down to bind layers together. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk to completely cover the tops of all layers.
  • Sprinkle with rest of coconut and chocolate chips as a topping. Gently press down all layers again. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.
  • Remove from oven. Cool completely. Slice into 16-18 bars. Enjoy!

Notes

Note:  16-18 bars may seem like small servings, but it is a perfect size for this rich treat!
A stack of 3 Hello Dolly Cookie Bars
Did you make my Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars?Show me how it went! Share on Instagram, tag @southerndiscourse, and use the hashtag #SouthernDiscourse!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating

 

Pin it to your favorite Pinterest Board!
Make the best Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars with this easy recipe. Loaded with coconut, pecans, chocolate chips and a buttery graham cracker crust, these 7 layers of goodness are the perfect party dessert. #Christmas #Easter

 

Make the best Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars with this easy recipe that requires zero mixing or kitchen tools!  Loaded with chewy browned coconut, crunchy pecans, oodles of melted chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and a buttery graham cracker crust, these 7 layers of traditional southern goodness just happen to be the perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion.
Make the best Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars with this easy recipe that requires zero mixing or kitchen tools!  Loaded with chewy browned coconut, crunchy pecans, oodles of melted chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and a buttery graham cracker crust, these 7 layers of traditional southern goodness just happen to be the perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion.
Make the best Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars with this easy recipe that requires zero mixing or kitchen tools!  Loaded with chewy browned coconut, crunchy pecans, oodles of melted chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and a buttery graham cracker crust, these 7 layers of traditional southern goodness just happen to be the perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion.

 

MAKING IT EASY TO HOST & SERVE

Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

If you like these recommended products, then you’ll love Southern Discourse’s Amazon Store!

  

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Desserts, Holidays, Recipes

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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  1. Avatar photoSarah M.

    October 23, 2020 at 6:08 pm

    5 stars
    Crushed Girl Scout Mint Cookies will make this recipe a total hit! I use them all the time. SO GOOD. (We call them Magic Cookie Bars here in central NJ.)

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      October 25, 2020 at 3:15 pm

      Hi, Sarah! Sounds so delish! Can’t wait to try that!

      Reply
  2. Avatar photoKat

    December 23, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Can these be frozen?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      December 23, 2020 at 9:37 pm

      Hello, Kat! Yes, these can be frozen. You will need to bake, cool and cut into squares. Layer in an air tight container between layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. Seal and freeze up to 3 months. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Avatar photokaren

    February 20, 2021 at 4:18 pm

    they’re in the oven now🙏

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      February 24, 2021 at 3:56 pm

      Yay! Can’t wait to hear about them!

      Reply
  4. Avatar photoPinky

    December 26, 2023 at 3:15 pm

    5 stars
    GREAT!!! I inherited this recipe years and years ago however, the quickest way to melt your stick butter is to put it in the bottom of the pan put it in the 350 oven once it melted take it out and put your graham cracker crumbs in it and press🥰❤️

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 29, 2023 at 11:48 am

      Hi, Pinky! Great tip! Awesome!

      Reply
  5. Avatar photoTamishrbt

    December 30, 2023 at 12:07 am

    Yes I made them and they turned out great ! A very dear friend of mine used to make them at Christmas time ….. first time I seen em since way back when was here ! Thanks so much for sharing 🫶

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 30, 2023 at 12:17 pm

      Hi, Tam! I am so glad you found this recipe here and made these Hello Dolly Bars! I loved them as a kid and couldn’t wait to share them!

      Reply

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Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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