Cherry Magic Cookie Bars are a tasty treat with a sweet, chewy base and a burst of cherry flavor. They have layers of coconut, chocolate, and buttery goodness that will make you smile!
These bars are super easy to make, so I love whipping them up for a snack or dessert. Just mix and bake, and you’ll have a sweet surprise ready to share (or keep to yourself!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the cookie bars. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter instead, which will also enhance the coconut flavor!
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of your bars. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers work well as a substitute.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This gives a delightful chewy texture. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can skip it entirely or replace it with extra nuts or oats.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is crucial for sweetness and moisture. You can use evaporated milk mixed with a sweetener as a substitute, but the texture might vary a bit.
Maraschino Cherries: These provide a burst of flavor and color. Instead, you could use dried cherries or cranberries for a different twist, or even fresh cherries when in season!
How Can I Make Sure My Cookie Bars Don’t Fall Apart?
The key to keeping your Cherry Magic Cookie Bars together lies in how well you pack the crust and layers. Here are some tips:
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it evenly.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
- Use a sharp knife for cutting and wipe it clean between slices for neat squares.
These steps will ensure your bars hold together beautifully. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Cherry Magic Cookie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
For The Layers:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Additional coconut flakes for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cherry Magic Cookie Bars recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow an additional time for cooling—about 30 minutes—before cutting. In total, set aside about 1 hour to make this tasty dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookie bars cook evenly. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until well combined. The mixture should look like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the crust. Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk on top, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips over this layer, followed by the optional chopped nuts if you chose to use them. Finally, arrange the halved maraschino cherries evenly on the very top.
4. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the edges are golden brown, and the center is set. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven!
5. Cool and Cut:
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is important to help the bars set. Once they’re completely cool, cut them into squares and serve. If desired, you can sprinkle with additional coconut flakes for extra decoration.
Enjoy your Cherry Magic Cookie Bars! These treats are packed with wonderful flavors and textures that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have walnuts or pecans, you can use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds or cashews. You can also omit the nuts entirely if you’d like a nut-free version!
Can I Make These Cookie Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make Cherry Magic Cookie Bars gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a similar crumb base. Also, double-check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten traces.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
After the bars cool completely, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months—just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can! Fresh cherries will give a different texture and flavor. Make sure to pit and chop them before adding. However, if using fresh cherries, note that they may be juicier and could slightly alter the texture of the bars.