Hello Dolly Bar Cookies
Deliciously sweet and gooey bar cookies with chocolate, coconut, and pecans, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt margarine in a square baking dish.
- Pour graham cracker crumbs over the melted margarine without stirring.
- Spread semi-sweet chocolate drops over the crumbs.
- Add a layer of frozen coconut on top.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the coconut layer.
- Pour canned Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk evenly over all ingredients without stirring.
- Bake until bubbling, about 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into 16 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of chocolate drops or adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect as a sweet treat or dessert at gatherings. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving them alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. For a fun twist, try them with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hello Dolly bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the flavors or serve them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hello Dolly Bar Cookies contains roughly 368 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 Hello Dolly bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these bars a day in advance. After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even more delicious when served the next day.
What can I use instead of Eagle Brand milk?
If you need a substitute for Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, you can use homemade versions made from evaporated milk and sugar. Alternatively, try coconut cream mixed with a bit of sweetener for a dairy-free option.
Can I add other ingredients to the bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Hello Dolly bars by adding ingredients like dried fruits, different types of chocolate, or even a layer of peanut butter for added richness. Just ensure that the proportions remain similar for the best texture.
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).