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The easiest Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars. These are some of the best bars, rich and decadent, heavy on the chocolate, and oh so gooey! Made with an oatmeal cookie base, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and peanuts, for a cookie bar that’s addictingly delicious. Oh, and let’s not forget those pretzels, such a DELICIOUS addition! Absolutely nothing not to love about these salty-sweet Magic Bars. Simple ingredients that take only minutes to prep. These bars are deliciously easy and, well, magical!

Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars | halfbakedharvest.com

I know we’ve only just entered into August but I feel like everyone is already talking about back-to-school and the fall season. I’ve even seen products for Halloween decor popping up!

To me, we still have all of August as summer – summer, not fall! No Halloween talk until at least September, you know? People start earlier and earlier every year.

Sorry, I’m just not there yet. But I do understand that many of you are needing to get into that mindset of kids heading back to school. It’s definitely that time of year!! And it’s crazy the differences in when kids go back to school. I’ve seen it from August 1st (Atlanta area) till after Labor Day (NYC area).

Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars | halfbakedharvest.com

Back when I was in middle school, my mom was always in need of quick dessert recipes to make for my brothers and me to bring to school events.

So many parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school nights, and even bake sales are happing this time of year.

I love a back-to-school event that allows everyone to have a little fun baking in the kitchen.

But it’s a busy time of year, so simple and easy recipes are what we need. And very few things are easier than a magic bar. I’m excited to share my oatmeal cookie variation here today.

Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars | halfbakedharvest.com

Details

Step 1: make the cookie base

I use the word cookie loosely. Technically this is just a base of oats, butter, and vanilla. Regardless, the oaty base tastes just like a crisp oat cookie once it’s baked up.

All you do is mix instant oatmeal with melted butter and vanilla. Then take the mix and press it into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: layer the bars

My magic bars are not traditional with the ingredients I use. I usually leave out the graham crackers and butterscotch chips. But I do double the chocolate!

So layer as follows: first the sweetened condensed milk, then the shredded coconut. I use unsweetened, but the sweet stuff works too.

Next comes the chocolate chips followed by roasted peanuts, but any nut will work. I do think peanuts are especially yummy, however! But you do you.

Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 3: push everything down

Next, take your hands and push down on the bars to help submerge the ingredients into the sweetened condensed milk. These might seem dry but they bake up beautifully!

And then you bake.

Step 4: one last sprinkle of chocolate.

As soon as the bars come out of the oven add a handful of chocolate chips and sprinkle some sea salt (if desired). The chocolate melts into the bars.

So easy and totally no-fuss, you can’t mess these up!

They’re chocolatey, salty, sweet, gooey, and have just the tiniest bit of CRUNCH.

I love to double the recipe, then cut up the second batch and send them off with friends or family to enjoy. A little goodie treat!

Oh, and I have to mention that these will be amazing for the upcoming football season! Game treats are always welcome.

Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars | halfbakedharvest.com

Looking for more quick desserts? Here are a few to try:

Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

4 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

No Fuss Coconut Lime Tart

salted pretzel magic bars

Lastly, if you make these Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Calories Per Serving: 270 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
    2. In a bowl, combine the oats, butter, and vanilla. Press the mix into the prepared baking dish. Gently pour the condensed milk over the oats in an even layer. Sprinkle the coconut flakes evenly over the condensed milk, then add 2 cups of chocolate chips in an even layer. Then layer on the nuts. Sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Add a handful of pretzel sticks, if desired. Press down with your hands to help submerge everything.
    3. Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt (if desired). Let cool before slicing.
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Oatmeal Cookie Magic Bars | halfbakedharvest.com
4.77 from 63 votes (40 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. I want to make these for book club! If I make them the day before, will they still be okay for book club the next evening even though they won’t be fresh? Any tips for making ahead?

    1. Hey Bailey,
      Totally, they will be just fine, just keep in an airtight container! I hope you love this recipe! xT

  2. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet? (I don’t like semi-sweet chocolate. 🙁 ) Would I have to adjust other ingredients in the recipe? Thank you!

    1. Yes, you can absolutely use milk chocolate chips in this recipe! You don’t need to worry about changing any other ingredients 🙂 xT

  3. 5 stars
    Wonderful bars! I’ve made several times had fun adapting with some different ingredients. I found the pan size stated in the instructions to be larger than needed. I used and 8×8 and had a nice thick base.

    1. Hi there! I think it should turn out well with old fashioned oats, I would maybe just decrease the amount of oats a bit! xT

  4. 5 stars
    I love this magic bar so much better than the one with graham crackers! I’ve made this twice already because my family just devours it. The oatmeal base is really genius.