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The easiest Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars. These are some of the best bars, rich and decadent, heavy on the chocolate, and oh so gooey! Made with an oatmeal cookie base, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and peanuts, for a cookie bar that’s addictingly delicious. Oh, and let’s not forget those pretzels, such a DELICIOUS addition! Absolutely nothing not to love about these salty-sweet Magic Bars. Simple ingredients that take only minutes to prep. These magic cookie bars are deliciously easy and, well, magical!
I know we’ve only just entered into August but I feel like everyone is already talking about back-to-school and the fall season. I’ve even seen products for Halloween decor popping up!
To me, we still have all of August as summer – summer, not fall! No Halloween talk until at least September, you know? People start earlier and earlier every year.
Sorry, I’m just not there yet. But I do understand that many of you are needing to get into that mindset of kids heading back to school. It’s definitely that time of year!! And it’s crazy the differences in when kids go back to school. I’ve seen it from August 1st (Atlanta area) till after Labor Day (NYC area).
Back when I was in middle school, my mom was always in need of quick dessert recipes to make for my brothers and me to bring to school events.
So many parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school nights, and even bake sales are happing this time of year.
I love a back-to-school event that allows everyone to have a little fun baking in the kitchen.
But it’s a busy time of year, so simple and easy recipes are what we need. And very few things are easier than a magic bar. I’m excited to share my oatmeal cookie variation here today.
Details
Step 1: make the cookie base
I use the word cookie loosely. Technically this is just a base of oats, butter, and vanilla. Regardless, the oaty base tastes just like a crisp oat cookie once it’s baked up.
All you do is mix instant oatmeal with melted butter and vanilla. Then take the mix and press it into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: layer bars
My magic bars are not traditional with the ingredients I use. I usually leave out the graham cracker crumbs and butterscotch chips. But I do double the chocolate!
So layer as follows: first the sweetened condensed milk, then the shredded coconut. I use unsweetened, but the sweet stuff works too.
Next comes the chocolate chips followed by roasted peanuts, but any nut like walnuts or pecans, will work. I do think peanuts are especially yummy, however! But you do you.
Step 3: push everything down
Next, take your hands and push down on the bars to help submerge the mixture into the sweetened condensed milk. These might seem dry but they bake up beautifully!
And then you bake.
Step 4: one last sprinkle of chocolate.
As soon as the bars come out of the oven add a handful of chocolate chips and sprinkle some sea salt (if desired). The chocolate melts into the bars.
So easy and totally no-fuss, you can’t mess these up!
They’re chocolatey, salty, sweet, gooey, and have just the tiniest bit of CRUNCH.
I love to double the recipe, then cut up the second batch and send them off with friends or family to enjoy. A little goodie treat!
Oh, and I have to mention that these will be amazing for the upcoming football season! Game treats are always welcome. Be sure to store these in an airtight container.
Looking for more quick desserts? Here are a few to try:
Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Lastly, if you make these Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars
Servings: 24 bars
Calories Per Serving: 270 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (or any other roasted nut)
- 1 cup pretzel sticks
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.2. In a bowl, combine the oats, butter, and vanilla. Press the mix into the prepared baking dish. Gently pour the condensed milk over the oats in an even layer. Sprinkle the coconut flakes evenly over the condensed milk, then add 2 cups of chocolate chips in an even layer. Then layer on the nuts. Sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Add a handful of pretzel sticks, if desired. Press down with your hands to help submerge everything.3. Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt (if desired). Let cool before slicing.
This post was originally published on August 4, 2023
In the oven now! I didn’t have quick oats so used old fashioned…🤞. Super simple recipe, looks delicious. Love the addition of peanuts and pretzels.
Awesome! I hope these turned out great for you! xT
These were so easy to make and delicious.
Thank you Brenda! xT
I’m an experienced baker, made these with exact ingredients (quick oats etc) and we didn’t care for them. The traditional ones with graham crackers are much better.
Hey Jenny, thanks for trying out the recipe! I’m sorry it didn’t turn out the way you hoped. Is there anything I can do to help? xT
I couldn’t wait to go to the store for quick oats, so I used regular. Used unsalted butter because that is what I had, I replaced peanuts with chopped almonds (family member with peanut allergy), and tossed a handful of butterscotch chips in there. After cooling, put them in the refrigerator for awhile. They are a bit gooey, but wow – will make again!
Hey Ann! Thanks for trying out the recipe! I’m so glad it turned out yummy! xT
So easy! 😋
Thanks Katherine! xT
What do you mean by instant oats? Those are the oats in packets. Do you mean QUICK oats? There’s a difference.
Also, the link for the oats takes you to old fashioned oats. So even more confusing!
Hi there! So sorry for the confusion, yes I mean quick oats! xT
I would use much less chocolate chips and pretzels; too much as they’re drowning in chips seems like. Okay, my opinion is solo.
What do you mean by instant oats? Those are the oats in packets. Do you mean QUICK oats? There’s a difference.
Also, the link for the oats takes you to old fashioned oats. So even more confusing!
Her posts/recipes always have mistakes in them. Or she doesn’t answer questions properly. It’s really annoying. I’d use the standard ones you find at Trader Joe’s, not steel cut.
Hey Tina! Thanks for the feedback! I’m so sorry for the confusion. I’ve fixed the recipe so hopefully it’s not an issue anymore! Quick oats should be used in this recipe. Have a great day! xT
Oh no I am so sorry about that! Thank you for your feedback! xT
Looks delicious . Wondering if I can use coconut milk as I am dairy free.
Hey! I am sorry, I don’t think coconut milk would work as a replacement because it wouldn’t thicken up quite the same! xT
I’m fairly certain they sell sweetened condensed coconut milk.
Allergic to coconut, any substitution ideas?
Thank you!!!
Same question here! Any substitute recommendations for getting that same chewy texture without the coconut?
Hey! I would just omit the coconut if you’re allergic! xT
Magic cookie bars were my all time favorite growing up! I’m excited to try to variation.
Yay! I really hope you love this one! xT
No responses to questions??
HI Christine! What was your question? Happy to answer! xT
The sense of entitlement all you f*ckers have is astounding.
Melanie: Figure it out. It’s not rocket science.
Tina: Quit your bitching and go find another site to spread your negativity on. If you’re so disappointed, GTFO.
Christine: You got the personal response your attention-wh0ring needy arse was after. What’s your damn question?
Hi
👏👏👏
Hello, What can I use in place of the nuts? Thank you!
Hi! You can omit the nuts if you’d like! xT
I’m confused by the oats. You said instant (which comes in packets) so I thought you meant quick oats, But the link in your recipe takes me to old fashioned???
Hi Kim! I’m so sorry for the confusion, use instant oats for best results! I’ll change the link to the oats now! xT
These look delicious. By instant oats do you mean quick cooking or the instant oats you can buy in packets?
Hi Lori! I mean instant/quick oats instead of old fashioned! Hope this helps! xT
This my dear is a similar magic bar which is absolutely amazing and delicious. I love the oats and pretzel addition. Always fun and yummy recipes you make. I enjoy you immensely thx Deb
Wow thank you so much! xT