Hello Dolly Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

Hello Dolly Cookies are rich, sweet bars featuring a delightful combination of vanilla wafers, chocolate, nuts, and coconut, all held together with sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings, these easy-to-make treats offer a nostalgic, indulgent flavor experience.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1 can Eagle Brand milk

Instructions

  1. Melt margarine in the bottom of a baking dish.
  2. Layer the vanilla wafer crumbs, chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and coconut in the dish.
  3. Dribble the Eagle Brand milk over the top of the layered ingredients.
  4. Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
  5. Cool and cut into desired size squares.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute almond flour for some of the vanilla wafer crumbs for a gluten-free option. If you want an extra crunch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. Make sure to pack the layers tightly for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hello Dolly Cookies as a sweet treat at gatherings or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a fun presentation, try drizzling melted chocolate on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the cut squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to soften, or enjoy them cold for a chewy treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hello Dolly Cookies contains roughly 1582 calories, with 23g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 129g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 717mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

1582 kcal 79% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.9g 46% DV
Total Fat 128.6g 100% DV
Carbs 101.9g 37% DV
Fiber 13.5g 48% DV
Sugar 56.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 716.8mg 31% DV
Potassium 1147.8mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 7.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 113.7mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 12.9mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 386.2mg 30% DV
Iron 9.3mg 52% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if you prefer. Just chop them roughly and layer them in the same way. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What if I don't have vanilla wafer crumbs?

If you don't have vanilla wafer crumbs, you can crush graham crackers or use crushed shortbread cookies as a substitute. Both options will give a nice sweetness and texture to the layers.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator after baking. Just allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares. They make a great make-ahead dessert for parties.

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).

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