Graham Cracker Cookie Bars
Rich, nutty graham cracker cookie bars with coconut and pecans, boasting a buttery, caramelized flavor. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the sugar, Pet milk, egg, and butter to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Mix in the coconut, pecans, and crushed graham crackers.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared pan and bake until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, be careful not to overcook the mixture after it comes to a boil, as this can make the bars too hard. You can substitute the Pet milk with regular milk or a dairy-free alternative if needed. For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or using walnuts instead of pecans. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover graham crackers.
Serving Suggestions
These cookie bars are delightful on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a fun twist, serve them alongside slices of fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Graham Cracker Cookie Bars contains roughly 747 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookie bars gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. There are several brands available that mimic traditional graham crackers well, so just substitute them in the recipe. Additionally, ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done baking when they are set and have a golden color on top. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry.
Can I add other mix-ins to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding mix-ins such as mini chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even different nuts. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins roughly the same to maintain the balance of the original recipe.
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).