Monster Magic Cookie Bars (7-layer bars)
There’s something truly magical about Monster Magic Cookie Bars, also known as 7-layer bars. These delightful treats are a symphony of flavors and textures, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. With layers of crunchy nuts, creamy chocolate, and a hint of peanut butter, every bite is a wonderful experience. Plus, they’re easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and ingredients. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these bars will surely impress your friends and family.
Why It’s My Go-To
Every time I whip up a batch of Monster Magic Cookie Bars, I am reminded of the joy of baking and sharing. They are incredibly versatile, allowing for a variety of substitutions based on what you have on hand, and they appeal to both children and adults alike. The combination of sweet and salty ingredients creates a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, they are perfect for celebrations – a crowd-pleaser that requires no fancy techniques. Trust me, once you make these, they will quickly become your go-to dessert!
Ingredient List
- 20 Nutter Butters or other peanut butter sandwich cookies – Crushed to form a delicious base.
- 1 cup (57g) unsalted butter – Melted for binding the ingredients together.
- 1 cup nuts (I used pecans) – Coarsely chopped for added crunch.
- 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips – Your choice of semi-sweet or dark for richness.
- 1 cup (170g) peanut butter chips – For that extra burst of peanut butter flavor.
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pretzels – Adds a salty crunch that perfectly contrasts the sweetness.
- 1 cup M&Ms – Choose plain or any fun flavor for a pop of color.
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – The magical glue that brings everything together.
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking pan – The ideal size for these bars.
- Parchment paper – To line the baking pan for easy removal.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula – For spreading the mixture evenly in the pan.
Directions: Monster Magic Cookie Bars (7-layer bars)
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This step is crucial for keeping your bars intact.
Step 3: Crush the Nutter Butters
In a mixing bowl, crush the Nutter Butters or your chosen peanut butter sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Step 4: Combine Butter and Cookie Crumbs
Pour the melted butter over the cookie crumbs and mix until well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Step 5: Press the Mixture into the Pan
Evenly press the cookie crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid base for your bars.
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Start layering your ingredients. Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the crust, followed by the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, chopped pretzels, and M&Ms.
Step 7: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of your layered ingredients. This will help bind everything together as it bakes.
Step 8: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares or bars.
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- Substitute the M&Ms with seasonal candies like peppermint or caramel for a festive twist.
- Add crushed candy canes for a minty flavor during the holiday season.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate dried fruits, such as cranberries or cherries, for a fruity touch.
Missteps & Fixes
- If your bars crumble when cutting, ensure they are completely cool before slicing.
- For overly gooey bars, bake them a few minutes longer until they are set.
- If you find the bars too sweet, consider reducing the amount of chocolate or peanut butter chips in your next batch.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Monster Magic Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Monster Magic Cookie Bars (7-layer bars) Q&A
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the Nutter Butters with a gluten-free peanut butter sandwich cookie and use gluten-free pretzels.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
You can try using a homemade version with coconut milk and sugar, or look for dairy-free sweetened condensed milk options available in stores.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Your bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center appears set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like shredded coconut, chopped dried fruits, or different types of nuts to customize your bars.
Serve with These
- Hot chocolate – A cozy drink to complement the sweetness of the bars.
- Coffee – A perfect pairing to balance the flavors.
- Vanilla ice cream – A delicious contrast to the chewy bars.
- Whipped cream – For a light and fluffy addition.
In Closing
Monster Magic Cookie Bars (7-layer bars) are not just desserts; they are a celebration of flavors and textures. Their easy preparation and customizable nature make them a hit for any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them at a holiday party or a cozy night in, these bars will leave everyone wanting more. So gather your ingredients, invite friends over, and indulge in these delightful treats. Happy baking!
Monster Magic Cookie Bars (7-layer bars)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Line your 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Crush the Nutter Butters or chosen cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
- Pour the melted butter over the cookie crumbs and mix until well combined, resembling wet sand.
- Press the cookie crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Layer the ingredients: sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, chopped pretzels, and M&Ms over the crust.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
- For variations, substitute M&Ms with seasonal candies or add crushed candy canes.
