Home » Cookies » Bar Cookies » Toffee Caramel Magic Cookie Bars

Toffee Caramel Magic Cookie Bars

posted by Liz Berg on November 25, 2018 (updated 2/8/24)

Toffee Caramel Magic Cookie Bars are a twist on one of the most addictive, swoon-worthy layered dessert recipe. Toffee chunks and caramel chips are added to the mix for a decadent treat!

Also known as 7-Layer Bars, this easy dessert will become a family favorite.

Toffee Caramel Magic Cookie Bars stacked on a rippled white plate.

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Expert Tips

3 Frequently Asked Questions

4 You May Also Like:

5 Toffee Caramel Magic Cookie Bars

Why You Must Make

This Magic Cookie Bar recipe is perfect for caramel and toffee fans! Plus, unlike many other versions, this is a coconut-free recipe!
Known by 3 different names including Magic Cookie Bars, 7 Layer Bars, and Hello Dolly Bars, these bars are rich and delicious.
They’re super easy to make!

There are numerous variations, and this toffee version, sans coconut, is as gooey and delicious as the originals. I shared these gems with my book club and knitting friends and they swooned right along with me.

Toffee Caramel Magic Cookie Bars in a ceramic baking dish.

Expert Tips

Unlike the original magic cookie bar recipe, mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs and press them into the pan for the crust. That’s the most difficult part of making these easy bars!
PRO-Tip: Use the flat bottom of a dry measuring cup to pat the crust ingredients onto the bottom of the pan.
Next, layer the various chips and chocolate before drizzling over the can of sweetened condensed milk, and finally top with some chopped nuts before baking and digging in.
You can certainly use a bag of toffee chips to make these toffee caramel magic cookie bars. But I prefer chopping my own “chips” out of Heath bars for more substantial toffee pieces that include a chocolate coating.
Chill before cutting for the best-looking bars, but let them sit at room temperature so they get a bit gooey before serving. For more tips on slicing check out my post on How to Cut Perfect Cookie Bars.

Toffee Caramel Magic Cookie Bars stacked on a white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are These Called Magic Cookie Bars?

All 3 names for these bars have a different origin.
The “magic” in magic cookie bars comes from the fact that the originals needed no mixing. Melted butter went in the bottom of the pan, and was sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs, followed by sweetened condensed milk, coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts. Baked up, the crust forms with a gooey mixture of delicious toppings!
The name, Seven Layer Bars, comes from the 7 different ingredients layered to make these bars. Except I only count 6! What am I missing? Maybe toss in some butterscotch chips for that elusive last ingredient.
And the Hello Dollies name is a bit more puzzling. Thoughts are that these bars could have been developed when Hello Dolly was first on Broadway in the 1960s. That may be a bit of a reach, though.

Who Invented Magic Cookie Bars?

The recipe first appeared in the magazine The Week in 1965. Credit was given to a Texas grandmother for developing the recipe.

How Do You Cut Magic Cookie Bars?

Let the bars cool, then refrigerate until firm. If the pan is lined with foil, use that to move the bars from the pan to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 24 bars. Let them come to room temperature to serve.

How Do You Store Magic Cookie Bars?

They’ll keep well at room temperature, in an air-tight container, for 4-5 days. If it’s warm in your kitchen, keep them refrigerated.

Can You Freeze Magic Cookie Bars?

Yes, they freeze well if kept in an air-tight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.