Hello Dolly Bars (The Original 7-Layer Magic Cookie Treat)

🧁 Introduction: The Timeless Charm of Hello Dolly Bars

📜 The Origins of the Hello Dolly Bar

The story of Hello Dolly Bars begins in mid‑20th‑century America, where convenience met creativity. First published in 1965 by the Evening Eagle, these chewy dessert squares were originally known as Magic Cookie Bars. The whimsical name “Hello Dolly Bars” was born from the Broadway sensation Hello, Dolly!, a musical that swept the stage and left a lasting mark on pop culture during its heyday. This sweet treat quickly captured the hearts (and kitchens) of American families.

These indulgent squares, also called Seven Layer Bars or Magic Bars, combine pantry staples to create something nostalgic and utterly satisfying. Their signature layers—crunchy graham cracker crust, gooey chocolate, coconut, and pecans—all come together under a blanket of sweetened condensed milk, making them a must-have at holidays and potlucks.

Love vintage-style sweets? You’ll want to try these popular retro bakes too:
👉 Red Velvet Beet Bars with Sour Cream Frosting
👉 Churro Cheesecake Bars

🌎 Where They’re Most Loved

While the Hello Dolly Bar is as American as it gets, its deliciousness knows no borders. These are the 🌍 top 10 countries that embrace this dessert:

1. 🇺🇸 United States – Its origin and biggest fanbase.
2. 🇨🇦 Canada – A popular holiday dessert.
3. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom – A treat often spotted at bake sales.
4. 🇦🇺 Australia – Enjoyed as part of their iconic “slices.”
5. 🇳🇿 New Zealand – A beloved favorite often enjoyed at celebrations and special gatherings.
6. 🇮🇪 Ireland – Served alongside tea and tradition.
7. 🇿🇦 South Africa – Found in both cafés and home kitchens.
8. 🇵🇭 Philippines – Shared during holidays and celebrations.
9. 🇩🇪 Germany – Loved by locals and American expats alike.
10. 🇸🇪 Sweden – A sweet complement to fika culture.

These bars offer a crunchy, chewy, chocolatey bite of nostalgia, no matter where you’re from.

7 Crave-Worthy Layers: Iconic Hello Dolly Bars Recipe You’ll Love

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Discover the ultimate Hello Dolly Bars recipe with 7 melt-in-your-mouth layers of sweet, crunchy, gooey goodness. An irresistible vintage favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line pan with parchment.
2. Mix melted butter and graham crumbs, press into dish to form crust.
3. Add layers in this order: chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, pecans.
4. Pour condensed milk evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

🧂 What You’ll Need

🛠 Essential Tools

When making Hello Dolly Bars, simplicity is key—both in ingredients and in tools. One of the reasons these bars are such a fan-favorite is that they require minimal equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – This is the classic size for the perfect bar thickness. A glass or metal pan both work great.
• Parchment paper – Lining your pan with parchment makes it easy to lift out the bars once cooled, giving you clean, fuss-free slices.
• Mixing bowls – One large bowl is all you’ll need to combine your crust and prepare toppings.
• Rubber spatula – Perfect for spreading and pressing ingredients into an even layer.
• Measuring cups & spoons – Precise measurements matter, especially when it comes to buttery graham cracker bases.

Optional but helpful: a food processor for crushing graham crackers or a rolling pin and a zip-top bag for a more traditional method.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, the setup is refreshingly low-stress. If you’re already planning dessert trays or potluck treats, this is a must-make—no electric mixer required.

🍴 Pantry Staples

You might be surprised to find that you already have most of the ingredients needed to make Easy Hello Dolly Bars sitting in your pantry right now. The real charm of this recipe lies in its accessible components:

• Graham crackers – The base for your crust. You’ll crush them into fine crumbs.
• Unsalted butter – Melted and blended with the crumbs to form a rich, sturdy base with a buttery finish.
• Semisweet chocolate chips – The timeless touch that melts into a luscious, gooey chocolate layer.
• Butterscotch chips – Infuse each bite with a warm, buttery sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Sweetened shredded coconut – Adds a soft, chewy texture and a splash of tropical flavor to every layer.
• Chopped pecans – Brings a buttery crunch and slight earthiness.
• Sweetened condensed milk – The rich, creamy glue that holds every layer together with irresistible sweetness.

💡 Tip: Out of butterscotch chips? For a fun and flavorful twist, try using peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips in place of the usual mix-ins.

If you’re craving more easy, pantry-friendly sweets, don’t miss the ultra-simple Salted Caramel Pretzel Fudge—another crowd-pleasing bar you’ll want to make again and again.

📝 Ingredients List (Based on Serious Eats Recipe)

🍪 Base Layer

At the heart of Hello Dolly Bars is the signature graham cracker crust—buttery, sweet, and slightly crisp. This base anchors the layers above and balances the richness with its crunch. Here’s what you’ll need for the foundation:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – The cornerstone of most Seven Layer Bars, this forms the structure of the dessert.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps bind the crumbs into a cohesive crust while adding that irresistible buttery flavor.

Pro Tip: Want a bolder flavor? Swap in cinnamon graham crackers to give the classic crust a cozy, spiced flavor upgrade.

Hello Dolly Bars begin with a crust that’s so simple yet so important. This layer makes or breaks the dessert, so press it evenly and firmly into your lined pan.

Want to explore more graham cracker crust bars? Take a peek at my Oreo Stuffed Brownies for another wildly delicious option.

🍫 Sweet Layers

Now comes the magic—literally. The top layers of Magic Cookie Bars (aka Hello Dolly Bars) are all about flavor, texture, and that iconic gooey finish. Each one adds complexity to the final bite:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips – Delivers that rich, melty chocolate layer that’s essential to every classic Hello Dolly Bar.
• 1 cup butterscotch chips – Sweet, buttery, and perfectly balanced, they enhance the chocolate with a rich, caramel-like depth.
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut – Adds chewiness and a subtle tropical note.
• 1 cup chopped pecans – Brings a satisfying crunch and a cozy, toasted nuttiness to every mouthful.
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – The smooth, creamy layer that unites all seven components into one indulgent, gooey bar.

These ingredients form the foundation of a classic Hello Dolly Bar—but feel free to mix things up and add your personal twist. Want more chocolate? Add dark chips. Need a dairy-free option? Use coconut condensed milk.

For a flavor explosion, try combining this recipe with ideas from my Icebox Cake Magic—another nostalgic favorite layered with love.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

This is where the magic happens—literally. Making Hello Dolly Bars is just as fun as eating them. These bars are a beginner’s delight and a comforting classic for seasoned bakers alike. With no mixing required for the toppings, you’ll have a gooey tray of Magic Cookie Bars in the oven in under 10 minutes.

🔥 How to Layer Like a Pro

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang for easy lift-out.
2. Prepare the crust: Mix 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter in a bowl until the texture resembles wet sand. Mix until sandy. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared baking dish to create a solid, uniform crust layer. This step is crucial for any solid graham cracker crust bar.
3. Layer the goodies in this order:
   • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
   • 1 cup butterscotch chips
   • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
   • 1 cup chopped pecans
4. Pour the condensed milk: Evenly drizzle 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk across the entire surface, ensuring it reaches every edge and corner. This rich layer is what gives Hello Dolly Bars their signature gooey, caramelized finish.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and bubbly. The sweetened condensed milk caramelizes as it bakes, melting into the layers and creating that irresistibly chewy, rich texture that makes Seven Layer Bars so memorable.
6. Cool completely: Allow the bars to rest in the pan for at least an hour until fully set, then move them to a cutting board and slice into neat squares.

Slice with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat, polished squares. Each bar is a visual treat and bursts with irresistible flavor in every bite.

🧼 Quick Tips for Easy Cleanup

Because Hello Dolly Bars use condensed milk and melted chips, things can get sticky fast. Here’s how to keep your cleanup stress-free:

• Always line your baking dish with parchment paper. Not only does this prevent sticking, but it also lets you lift the bars right out.
• Use nonstick spray on the sides of the pan—even with parchment.
• If you’re making your own crumbs, place graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them thoroughly with a rolling pin until finely ground. No food processor, no problem.
• Using a silicone spatula helps spread and press each layer smoothly and with minimal mess.

Looking for more quick-layered desserts? Try my crowd-pleasing Churro Cheesecake Bars, another no-fail favorite.

⏱ Prep Time & Cook Time

When the craving hits for Hello Dolly Bars, you won’t have to wait long to enjoy a rich, satisfying treat. This recipe is all about quick satisfaction with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

⏲ Timeline Breakdown

Here’s how fast you can whip up a batch of gooey, nostalgic goodness:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cool Time (important!): 60 minutes (for clean cuts)
• Total Time: Roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes, factoring in cooling time.

While the bars only bake for half an hour, you’ll want to give them time to cool completely before slicing. The sweetened condensed milk needs time to set, which helps you achieve those beautiful layers and clean edges.

So, if you’re planning to bring these Seven Layer Bars to a gathering or prep them for a dessert tray, make sure to factor in the cooling period.

Looking for other quick bakes that deliver? My Salted Caramel Pretzel Fudge is a fast and fudgy favorite you can prep in under 15 minutes.

🔍 Nutrition Score

🧾 Per Serving (1 bar, approx. 1.5 x 1.5 inches)

Let’s talk numbers. Each square of these gooey, irresistible Hello Dolly Bars is packed with flavor—and yes, with sweetness too. This dessert makes no apologies — it’s rich, indulgent, and proudly decadent. Here’s what you can expect per serving (based on a 16-bar yield):

• Calories: Approximately 240
• Sugar: Around 3 tablespoons
• Butter: About 2 tablespoons per bar (from the crust)
• Contains: Tree nuts (pecans), dairy (butter & sweetened condensed milk), and coconut
• Serving Size: 1.5 x 1.5-inch square

That luscious sweetness comes mostly from the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips—the very ingredients that make Magic Cookie Bars so crave-worthy.

Remember, these bars are designed to satisfy quickly. A small square goes a long way in flavor and richness.

⚖ Tips for Healthier Alternatives

Looking to savor the richness of Hello Dolly Bars with a personalized twist? These smart swaps can make them a little lighter (or fit dietary needs):

• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based sweetened condensed coconut milk and vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
• Gluten-Free Take: Use gluten-free graham crackers (check for certified brands).
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Chips: Try stevia-sweetened or unsweetened chocolate to cut back on added sugars.
• Add Whole Grains: Mix crushed oats into the graham cracker base for extra fiber.

These changes don’t take away from the core appeal of Seven Layer Bars—they just make it a little more adaptable.

Looking for more wholesome dessert inspiration? Check out my Red Velvet Beet Bars with Sour Cream Frosting, which sneak a veggie into a classic treat.

🍽 Serving & Storage Tips

🍰 How to Slice and Serve

Once your Hello Dolly Bars have cooled completely, it’s time to cut and serve. This is where presentation meets payoff. Here are tips for the cleanest, most crave-worthy squares:

• Wait until fully cooled: Warm bars are gooey and fragile. Cooling for at least 60 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) gives you sharp edges and solid bars.
• Use a long, sharp knife: Wipe the blade clean between each cut to prevent buildup and keep those layers distinct.
• Cut into 1.5-inch squares: This size strikes the perfect balance—rich enough to satisfy, small enough not to overwhelm.
• Serve on a platter or dessert tray: Arrange in layers with parchment between if stacking. Their layered look makes them visually appealing at parties and holiday gatherings.

Seven Layer Bars make fantastic finger food for potlucks, bake sales, or even casual coffee dates. The balance of chewy coconut, gooey chocolate, and crunchy nuts makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For a truly impressive dessert tray, pair them with Crumbl-Style Churro Cookie Cake—a spiced, shareable treat that complements the richness of Hello Dolly Bars perfectly.

🌀 Variations to Try

While the classic Hello Dolly Bars recipe is near perfection, it’s also incredibly adaptable. With just a few tweaks, you can reinvent these Seven Layer Bars into something uniquely yours—while still keeping all that gooey, layered goodness intact.

🥜 Nut-Free Version

Have a nut allergy in the family? No problem! The pecans in Hello Dolly Bars are delicious, but they aren’t essential.

• Swap pecans with sunflower seeds, crushed pretzels, or even pumpkin seeds for crunch without the allergens.
• Use graham cracker crust as is, since it’s typically nut-free—just check your brand if you’re unsure.
• Avoid nut butters or nut-based toppings, and stick to traditional ingredients like chocolate chips, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk.

Even without nuts, this Magic Cookie Bars variation still delivers on texture and richness, making it one of the most versatile bar recipes you’ll ever bake.

🍓 Fruity Twist

Looking to brighten up your Hello Dolly Bars? A fruity layer adds tartness and chew to balance the sweetness.

• Add ½ cup chopped dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots before pouring on the sweetened condensed milk.
• Try raspberry chips or white chocolate chips for a lighter flavor profile.
• You can even substitute some of the coconut with dried pineapple bits for a tropical vibe.

Fruity Seven Layer Bars are a hit during spring and summer, especially when served chilled. They also make a festive and playful addition to any holiday cookie spread.

🍫 Double Chocolate Upgrade

For chocoholics (guilty!), this one’s for you. Elevate your Hello Dolly Bars with some indulgent enhancements for an even richer experience.

• Try using dark chocolate chips to bring a bold, richer chocolate depth to every bite.
• Add white chocolate chips or even chocolate chunks for that melty, indulgent experience.
• A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds a fancy finish.

These double-chocolate Magic Cookie Bars taste gourmet, yet require no extra baking skills. Just layer and bake like the classic version.

Still hungry for indulgence? Try my Oreo Stuffed Brownies—they pair beautifully with a batch of rich Hello Dolly Bars on a dessert platter.

❓What You Asked About the Bars

🏁 Conclusion: A Timeless Treat You’ll Crave Again and Again

🎉 Share the Nostalgia

There’s a reason Hello Dolly Bars have stood the test of time. This classic dessert brings together everything a sweet tooth dreams of—gooey sweetened condensed milk, rich chocolate, buttery crust, chewy coconut, and crunchy pecans. It’s no wonder Seven Layer Bars are passed down through generations, remembered fondly at bake sales, holidays, and family gatherings.

The charm of Magic Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity. No mixing bowls needed for the layers, no complex techniques—just stacking sweet ingredients and baking them into golden magic. Whether you’ve grown up with these bars or you’re discovering them for the first time, their nostalgic flavor never disappoints.

Bake a batch and share with loved ones, coworkers, or neighbors. They’ll instantly recognize the comfort packed in every bite of these Hello Dolly Bars.

🍭 Make It Your Own

While the traditional recipe is near perfection, one of the greatest things about Hello Dolly Bars is their flexibility. You can mix and match ingredients, try out new flavors, or go fully classic and keep every sweet layer as it was in the 1960s.

Whether you’re making a nut-free batch, a double chocolate version, or a fruity twist, these Seven Layer Bars adapt to every craving. They work for birthdays, bake sales, weekend cravings, or holiday dessert tables—and they always deliver.

So grab that can of sweetened condensed milk, your graham crackers, and all the toppings you love, and create a pan of your own Magic Cookie Bars. You’ll see why they remain one of the most beloved retro desserts in America and beyond.

If you’re looking for another unforgettable treat to add to your rotation, check out my reader-favorite Salted Caramel Pretzel Fudge—another sweet that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.