Layer Bar Cookies

Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

Layer Bar Cookies are rich, chewy treats with chocolate, coconut, and nuts, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoyed as a nostalgic snack.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 6-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 6-ounce package butterscotch chips (optional)
  • 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 15-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan.
  2. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over melted butter.
  3. Layer with semisweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips (if using), coconut, and chopped walnuts.
  4. Pour sweetened condensed milk over all the layers.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
  6. Allow to cool, then cut into bars.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using real butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly. Adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These Layer Bar Cookies are perfect for a potluck or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For an impressive presentation, serve them alongside slices of Strawberry Glazed Cheese Cake or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Layer Bar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Layer Bar Cookies contains roughly 1055 calories, with 20g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1055 kcal 53% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.7g 39% DV
Total Fat 92.5g 100% DV
Carbs 51.2g 19% DV
Fiber 8g 29% DV
Sugar 25.6g 51% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 244.5mg 11% DV
Potassium 744mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 11.4mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 200.6mg 15% DV
Iron 3.9mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten 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 make these Layer Bar Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these cookies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What can I substitute for the flaked coconut?

If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can substitute it with additional graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies for added texture. Alternatively, chopped dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can add a nice sweetness.

Can I use different types of chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, based on your preference. You could also add peanut butter chips for an extra layer of flavor.

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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