Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand: Irresistibly Decadent and Family-Friendly

I still remember the first time I tasted Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand in my grandmother’s sunny kitchen. I grabbed a warm square straight off the pan, and its gooey chocolate center melted in my mouth.

Since then, I’ve shared Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand at countless family gatherings. As a busy mom and food blogger at Simply Taster, I turn to these Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand whenever I need a fast, comforting treat.

Moreover, they pair easily with morning coffee or an after-school snack. My kids even help me layer the coconut and nuts, making memories with every bite.

These Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand feature a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with sweet Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk. Next, you sprinkle two cups of semisweet chocolate morsels, 1 1/3 cups of flaked coconut, and a cup of chopped nuts.

After you press the layers, bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Then cool completely and cut into 36 bars or diamond shapes.

You get chewy, nutty, and chocolaty layers in every bite. This easy bar recipe captures the essence of magic cookie bars with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The Story & Inspiration Behind Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand

A Personal Memory

In my childhood, Grandma always kept a stash of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk in her pantry. Over lazy summer afternoons, she showed me how to transform simple ingredients into classic magic cookie bars.

Eventually, we pressed a graham cracker crumb crust into our favorite pan, poured that sweet condensed milk, and topped it with chocolate, coconut, and nuts. Yet the most vivid moment arrived when I tried my first Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand.

As I pulled them from the oven, their golden edges and molten center called my name. My siblings and I grabbed one each, and we giggled as the gooey filling dripped onto our fingers.

Today, I recreate that memory in my own kitchen. Meanwhile, my kids scramble onto stools to help me measure ingredients and whisper secrets as they sprinkle chocolate chips.

Why This Recipe Matters

For several reasons, this recipe matters to anyone craving an easy bar recipe. First, it uses pantry staples like graham cracker crumbs, Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, and coconut.

Consequently, you can whip up a dessert bar recipe magic without a grocery trip. Additionally, these magic cookie bars convert simple ingredients into a showstopper that appeals to kids and adults alike.

If you love coconut cookies recipes, you’ll appreciate the tropical notes of flaked coconut in every bite. Moreover, the combination of semisweet chocolate morsels and chopped nuts balances sweetness with texture.

These Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand bridge nostalgia and innovation in every layer. Finally, they adapt easily—swap nuts, use gluten-free biscuit graham crumbs, or make a low-carb version for diverse tastes.

Ingredients & Instructions

Ingredients You Need for Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand

Ingredient	Quantity
Graham cracker crumbs	1 ½ cups
Butter, melted	½ cup
Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk	1 (14 oz) can
Semisweet chocolate morsels	2 cups
Flaked coconut	1 ⅓ cups
Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)	1 cup

Follow these simple steps to bake perfect Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand every time. Each step uses active guidance and clear instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), or to 325°F (165°C) for a glass dish. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and gather all ingredients.
2. Make crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand, then press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Add sweetened condensed milk: Pour Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk evenly over the crust. Ensure full coverage so every bar has that signature creaminess.
4. Layer toppings: Sprinkle semisweet chocolate morsels in an even layer. Then, add flaked coconut and chopped nuts, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor.
5. Press toppings: Use the back of a fork or a spatula to press the chocolate, coconut, and nuts gently into the condensed milk. This helps bind the toppings as they bake.
6. Bake and cool: Bake until the edges turn lightly golden, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Cut and serve: Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut into 36 squares or diamond shapes. Feel free to adjust bake time by a minute or two for your preferred texture.

With these steps, you’ll bake chewy, crunchy, and utterly delicious bars. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas

Smart Swaps & Variations

These Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand adapt to nearly any preference. If you need gluten-free options, swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free biscuit graham or almond flour.

Plant-based eaters can substitute vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate morsels. For a lower-carb twist, replace coconut with chopped almonds and choose sugar-free chocolate chips.

If you want bite-sized snacks, press the mixture into a muffin tin for individual portions. You get cute mini cookie bar bites that you can pop in your mouth.

For a tropical spin, add dried pineapple bits and macadamia nuts. You can also stir in protein powder for a protein-packed dessert that aligns with balanced diet goals.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand at room temperature or slightly chilled. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

For brunch, cut bars into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with fresh berries. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with twine for homemade gifting.

To store leftovers, stack bars between parchment paper in a sealed container. They stay chewy for up to five days at room temperature and up to two weeks in the fridge.

Freeze uncooked bars in the pan (covered with foil) and bake them when you’re ready. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top just before serving.

Health Benefits of Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand

Despite their indulgent profile, Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand offer some nutritional perks. First, the flaked coconut and chopped nuts deliver dietary fiber and healthy fats that support digestion and heart health.

The nuts—like pecans or walnuts—provide protein along with plant-based omega-3s, which may reduce inflammation. Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk contributes calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.

Semisweet chocolate morsels furnish antioxidants known as flavonoids, which play a role in cardiovascular wellness. Although these bars remain a treat, portion control makes them fit within a balanced diet.

If you follow keto or low-carb plans, use sugar-free chocolate chips and swap graham crumbs for almond flour. You can also add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to boost muscle recovery.

Beyond macronutrients, the bars offer trace minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals support muscle function and energy production while aiding cell repair.

For families, these bars serve as a fun lunchbox treat or post-workout snack. You can even add chia seeds or hemp hearts for an extra nutrient punch.

Therefore, Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand transform a classic dessert into a semi-healthy indulgence. By balancing sweetness with nutritional benefits, they demonstrate that delicious and nutritious can coexist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand combine ease, nostalgia, and versatility into a single, irresistible dessert. Whether you crave a quick family treat or a showstopping dessert bar recipe for gatherings, these bars never disappoint.

With pantry staples like graham cracker crumbs, Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, and a sprinkle of coconut and nuts, you whip up a crowd-pleaser in under an hour. Moreover, you can tailor the recipe for gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb diets without losing that signature gooey center.

Ultimately, these Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand epitomize how simple ingredients can yield extraordinary flavor. I encourage you to embrace this magic cookie bar recipe, experiment with smart swaps, and savor every bite.

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FAQs About Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the bars a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

How do I store and freeze these bars?

Stack cooled bars between parchment paper in a sealed container for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months and thaw at room temperature.

Can I use a different type of nut or leave them out?

Absolutely. Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. You can omit nuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

How long do Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand stay fresh?

When stored properly, they stay fresh at room temperature for five days. Refrigeration extends their shelf life up to two weeks.