Pure Magic

Chocolate Macadamia Cookie Bars ,

photo by Scott Goodwin

This favorite from Intermezzo Magazine is an elevated magic bar cookie, one of my favorite childhood treats. Often called “seven layer bars” or “hello dollys” they are a decadent combination of buttery graham crust, rich chocolate, chunks, sweet coconut and a hefty, gooey drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. The macadamia nuts complete the decadence. So easy to make and add to your cookie trays, you’ll be baking them on repeat.

CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA COOKIE BARS
MAKES 18

3 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 pound butter, melted and cooled

8 ounces macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped
12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, cut into medium pieces
11/2 cups shredded, sweetened coconut

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and cocoa. Pour butter over crumb mixture and mix well. Press evenly into prepared pan.

3. Sprinkle macadamia nuts evenly over crust. Sprinkle chocolate chunks over nuts. Sprinkle coconut over chocolate.
4. Combine vanilla with sweetened condensed milk. Drizzle bar evenly with sweetened condensed milk mixture.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.
6. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
7. Cut into bars. Store refrigerated, in an airtight container