Grandma'S Cookie Bars
Decadent cookie bars with a coconut and graham cracker crust, topped with chocolate and peanut butter, perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings at parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, melt the margarine.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted margarine.
- Sprinkle coconut over the crumbs.
- Pour Eagle Brand milk over the coconut layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with peanut butter.
- Spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the hot coconut layer.
- Cool for a while, then chill before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a deeper taste. If you prefer a nutty flavor, add chopped nuts along with the coconut. Make sure to keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning, as ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions
These cookie bars are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack, and they pair well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. For an extra treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm them up and drizzle with chocolate sauce. They make a delightful addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, simply microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Cookie Bars contains roughly 1263 calories, with 25g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 779mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
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?
Absolutely! These cookie bars can be made a day in advance. Simply let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies as a substitute. Both will add a unique flavor and texture to the bars.
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).