Name: Cookies and Cream Magic Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 300 g 300g (10.5oz) cookies and cream biscuits (Oreos), finely crushed (Fine crumbs for better texture.); 110 g 110g (7½ tbsp) unsalted butter, melted (Do not overheat; just melted.); 1 can 1 x 397g (14oz) can condensed milk (To bind the components.); 300 g 300g (1⅓ cups) white or milk chocolate chips (For a rich chocolate flavor.); 20 pieces 20 cookies and cream biscuits, broken (for topping) (For added crunch.)

There’s nothing quite like the indulgent taste of Cookies and Cream Magic Bars to satisfy your sweet tooth. These delightful dessert bars combine the rich flavors of cookies and cream biscuits with creamy condensed milk and chocolate, creating an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether for a casual family gathering or a fancy event, these magic bars are sure to impress everyone.

Making Cookies and Cream Magic Bars is an incredibly straightforward process that results in a deliciously sweet and crunchy dessert. The combination of crushed cookies, melted butter, and sweetened condensed milk creates a luscious base that pairs beautifully with chocolate chips and additional cookie chunks. The result is a dessert that’s perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, making it ideal for anyone craving a decadent snack. Plus, with simple ingredients and quick prep time, these bars are just as rewarding to make as they are to eat.

Why make this recipe

Cookies and Cream Magic Bars are not just another treat; they are a celebration of classic cookie flavors elevated to an extravagant level. The nostalgia of Oreos combined with the sweetness of chocolate chips creates a symphony of flavors that many find irresistibly comforting. This dessert is designed to bring joy, evoking sweet memories of childhood with every bite. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring all by yourself, making them versatile for any setting. Not only do they taste divine, but they also look visually tempting, with their layered appearance and gooey texture.

These bars are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize them based on preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. They are a wonderful canvas for creativity, as the basic concept can incorporate different types of cookies or add-ins like nuts, caramel, or other chocolates. Moreover, they bring simplicity to the baking process; no intricate techniques are necessary, just straightforward mixing and baking. Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a creamy layer of sweetness, creating a memorable dessert experience.

How to make Cookies and Cream Magic Bars

To make Cookies and Cream Magic Bars, you will first need to gather your ingredients. The process begins with preheating the oven and preparing your baking tin. Once you’ve crushed the cookies into fine crumbs, you mix them with melted butter to form the base. This mixture must be pressed firmly into the tin to create a solid foundation for the layers that follow.

The next step involves pouring condensed milk over the crust, which binds all the components together and introduces a creamy, sweet flavor profile. Then, sprinkle chocolate chips and broken cookie pieces generously on top. The texture contrast between the crunchy topping and the soft, gooey center creates a feast for the senses, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the bars. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the tin before slicing them into squares, ensuring that each piece retains its shape.

These bars are not only visually appealing but also transport you to a world of creamy chocolate bliss with every bite, making your effort worthwhile. The joy of indulging in something homemade and delicious is hard to beat, and Cookies and Cream Magic Bars deliver that in spades.

Ingredients

300g (10.5oz) cookies and cream biscuits (Oreos), finely crushed
110g (7½ tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
1 x 397g (14oz) can condensed milk
300g (1⅓ cups) white or milk chocolate chips
20 cookies and cream biscuits, broken (for topping)

Directions

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas, 4.
Line a 20 x 25cm (8 x 10in) baking tin with nonstick baking paper.
Crush 300g biscuits in a food processor until fine (or bag + rolling pin).
Tip into a bowl, add melted butter, and mix until fully combined.
Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the prepared tin.
Pour over the condensed milk, then sprinkle on the chocolate chips and the broken biscuits.
Press down gently with the back of a fork.
Bake 30–35 minutes until the edges are crisp.
Cool completely in the tin, then cut into 20 bars.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Chilling Time: 0 minutes
• Rising Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Servings: 20

How to serve Cookies and Cream Magic Bars

Serving Cookies and Cream Magic Bars is a delightful experience that can enhance any gathering. You can offer them as is, directly cut into squares, providing each guest with an easy-to-handle, indulgent dessert. For an added flair, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or serving each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This pairing not only complements the rich flavors of the bars but also adds a light and airy texture to the experience.

For more festive occasions, you may also present these bars on a decorative platter or tiered dessert stand, adding an attractive touch that will certainly catch the eyes of your guests. Sharing significant bites of joy with friends and family while enjoying lively conversations will make these bars even more special. The joy of eating homemade treats made with care often enhances the overall atmosphere of the event.

How to store Cookies and Cream Magic Bars

Storing Cookies and Cream Magic Bars is simple and ensures that they remain fresh and enjoyable for several days. If you have leftover bars, the best approach is to keep them in an airtight container. This method will prevent them from becoming stale and protect their flavors from absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge. They can be kept at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a few days, but refrigeration can extend their shelf life significantly, ideally up to five days.

It is also advisable to layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper in the storage container to avoid sticking, especially if they are particularly gooey. If you’re looking for longer preservation, freezing is an option. Make sure to wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, these magic bars can last for up to three months in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy your favorite sweet treat even longer.

Tips to make Cookies and Cream Magic Bars

Creating the perfect batch of Cookies and Cream Magic Bars is about precision and creativity. Start with finely crushed cookies; the finer the crumbs, the better the texture of your base will be. Experimenting with different brands of cookies or even homemade cookies can result in exciting variations—feel free to substitute Oreos with other flavors like mint, peanut butter, or even caramel-filled cookies to create unique tastes.

When melting the butter, be careful not to overheat it; it should be just melted without bubbling. This helps in achieving a smooth mix with the cookie crumbs. Pressing the mixture firmly into the base of the tin is crucial for a solid structure. If your fingers are sticky, consider using the bottom of a glass to apply even pressure.

Always keep an eye on baking time; the edges should be crisp, while the center will look gooey but set. If you notice it browning too much, you can shield the edges with aluminum foil. Lastly, letting the bars cool entirely before cutting is essential—they will be much easier to handle and will not crumble apart.

Variation

No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 105 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use gluten-free cookies in this recipe?
A: Yes, gluten-free cookies can be substituted for Oreos or any other type of cookie if you have dietary restrictions.

Q: How can I make these bars healthier?
A: You can reduce sugar by using dark chocolate chips, and consider using whole grain or oats for the crust.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! They can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.