Quick Layer Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Quick Layer Cookies combine crunchy graham crackers, sweet coconut, walnuts, and chocolate and butterscotch chips for a rich, indulgent treat perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a snack.

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Ingredients

  • 16 graham cracker squares
  • 1/2 cup melted oleo (butter)
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 6 oz. package chocolate chips
  • 6 oz. package butterscotch chips
  • 1 1/3 cups shredded coconut
  • 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Break 8 graham cracker squares into smaller pieces.
  3. Pour melted oleo (butter) into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
  4. Top with graham cracker crumbs, pressing evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the crumbs.
  6. Layer in order the remaining ingredients: chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and pour sweetened condensed milk over the entire mixture.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Let cool, then cut into squares.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using salted butter instead of oleo, or even a combination of both. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds work well as substitutes. To enhance the texture, lightly toast the nuts before adding them. Make sure to distribute the chocolate and butterscotch chips evenly for balanced sweetness in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

These layer cookies are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Pair them with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Mary Raper's Seven Layer Cookies for a layered dessert experience that guests will love.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover layer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them where they can last up to a week. To reheat, simply place a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it slightly, enhancing the melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Layer Cookies contains roughly 775 calories, with 18g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value) and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

775 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.3g 37% DV
Total Fat 40.3g 52% DV
Carbs 93.4g 34% DV
Fiber 5g 18% DV
Sugar 82.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 215mg 9% DV
Potassium 866.4mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 46.7mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 98.8mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 432.3mg 33% DV
Iron 2.4mg 14% 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 use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts like pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a unique twist. Just chop them to a similar size for consistent texture throughout the cookie layers.

What can I do if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

If you're out of sweetened condensed milk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1/3 cup of sugar, heating until dissolved, and then cooling it. Alternatively, recipes like the 24 Hour Egg Omelet can provide inspiration for using alternative creamy ingredients in baking.

Can I add other ingredients to the layers?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor. You can also fold in some mini marshmallows or swap out some chocolate chips for peanut butter chips. Customize it to your taste!

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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