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Peanut Butter and Pretzel Magic Cookie Bars

Coconut dream bars. Magic cookie bars. Hello Dolly bars. They are one in the same of a classic cookie. This recipe is a spin on this cookie bar that has typically has a graham cracker crust, coconut, chocolate and nuts. Here, I've made a buttery pretzel crust,and layered it with sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, coconut, peanut butter chips and chocolate baked to crispy edges and a chewy center-- a perfect balance of peanut butter, salt and sweet. These will make you a rock star at your next pot luck or bake sale!
Course Cookies, Dessert
Keyword Hello Dollies, Magic Layer Bars
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 36
Calories 203kcal
Author Debby - www.AFeastfortheEyes.net

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 4 cup mini pretzels plus additional for the top
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

For the filling:

  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk 14-ounce
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips recommended: mini chips
  • 1 cup sweetened coconut

Garnish:

  • 1 pinch coarse salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350F.  Make a "sling" of either aluminum foil or parchment paper in a 9X13 pan sprayed with non-stick spray. (This makes for easier removal and cleanup.

For the crust:

  • Using a food processor, pulse the pretzels until they are fine crumbs, with a few larger pieces (about the size of a pea.
  • Add the melted butter and sugar, and gently pulse to combine.
    (Likewise, you can use a rolling pin to crush the pretzels in a plastic zipper bag.)
  • Pour the crumb mixture into the pan, and using the bottom a measuring cup or drinking glass, press the crumb mixture until firm.

For the filling:

  • Place the peanut butter and about half the condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds. Whisk to combine until smooth. Add the remaining condensed milk and continue to whisk until combined.
  • Pour the mixture evenly over the crust, tilting the pan to spread it out evenly. (I use an off-set spatula to gently push into the corners of the pan.
  • Evenly spread the peanut butter and chocolate chips and the coconut all over the mixture.
  • Add some whole mini pretzels on top, as a decoration. Gently press into the mixture.
  • If desired, sprinkle just a pinch of coarse salt all over if you want to increase the salty flavor.
  • Bake for about 22-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool.
  • If using a sling, grab opposite corners and lift out of the pan and place onto a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut into large or small pieces, according to your preference.
  • Store, covered at room temperature. These should keep for about five days, but they never last that long in our home!