3 Layer Cookie Bars

Prep: 10 min Cook: 22 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Decadent three-layer cookie bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, sweet coconut, creamy chocolate-peanut butter topping, perfect for parties or satisfying dessert cravings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 sticks margarine
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 (7 oz.) package coconut
  • 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand milk
  • 1 (12 oz.) package chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Melt margarine in a 9 x 13-inch pan and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted margarine.
  3. Sprinkle coconut evenly on top of the crumbs without mixing.
  4. Pour Eagle Brand milk evenly over the coconut layer.
  5. Bake in the oven for 22 minutes, then remove from oven.
  6. In the microwave, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together for 2 minutes.
  7. Stir until smooth.
  8. Spread the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the hot baked layers.
  9. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're looking for a healthier twist, substitute half of the graham cracker crumbs with ground oats. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate taste. Ensure even layering for the best texture and flavor in each bite.

Serving Suggestions

These 3 Layer Cookie Bars are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also pair well with coffee or milk. For a fun twist, serve alongside a slice of A Perfect Cheesecake for a dessert platter that will impress your guests.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 3 Layer Cookie Bars contains roughly 637 calories, with 14g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

637 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14g 28% DV
Total Fat 50.7g 65% DV
Carbs 38.7g 14% DV
Fiber 6.8g 24% DV
Sugar 20.9g 42% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 411.7mg 18% DV
Potassium 555.5mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 2.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 53.3mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 5.6mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 150.3mg 12% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these cookie bars a day in advance. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making them even more delicious the next day.

What can I substitute for the coconut?

If you're not a fan of coconut, you can easily omit it or replace it with finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. This will still give you a satisfying crunch and unique flavor in your cookie bars.

How do I cut the bars evenly?

To cut the bars evenly, use a sharp knife and make sure to clean it between cuts to avoid sticking. For cleaner edges, you can refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes after they cool, which will make cutting much easier.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →