Magic Cookie Bars

This old-school layered dessert has been a mainstay at Southern gatherings for decades, so you might recognize them from Grandma's kitchen. One Test Kitchen Professional said these Magic Cookie Bars were "gooey, slightly crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth, chocolate-coconut heaven." A sprinkle of sea salt is the perfect finishing touch on this sweet dessert, as it keeps it from becoming overly sweet and adds a nice complexity of flavor your guests might not expect. With about 25 minutes in the oven, the edges of these bars caramelize just right, adding a nice crunch to contrast with the gooey center. Plus, this simple dessert is easily customizable with what you have on hand or to fit your taste preferences. Swap walnuts for pecans, white or dark chocolate for bittersweet chocolate chips, and dulce de leche for sweetened condensed milk for a stronger caramel flavor. Since this Magic Cookie Bars recipe makes 16 bars, it's great for feeding a crowd at the church potluck or school bake sale. Even though the kids will adore these old-fashioned Magic Cookie Bars, we can't wait to curl up with a cup of coffee and enjoy one ourselves.