Hello Dollies Bars - Chef Abbie Gellman MS, RD, CDN (2024)

Step back in time with me as I show you how to make the best Hello Dollies Bars, my favorite as a little girl!

When I think back to my favorite childhood treats, one specifically always comes to mind. Hello Dollies Bars. You may also know these as Magic Bars or 7 layer bars. It doesn’t matter what you call them, they are absolutely delicious.

My version is probably a little less sweet than most. That’s because I chose to go with semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsweetened coconut. Personally, these can be so rich when made using traditional ingredients that I prefer to cut back just a little.

Why Are They Called Hello Dollies Bars?

Honestly, I am not really sure. If you do a little research you will find this was a really popular household recipe in the 60s. During that time there was a musical called Hello Dolly. Supposedly that’s the story.

However, Eagle Brand, makers of condensed milk, had a published version of this recipe on the back of their labels and referred to them as Seven Layer Magic Cookie Bars. That’s a mouthful to say but seems more logical than Hello Dollies.

There’s also another version of the story about a little girl submitting her grandma’s recipe and it was featured. Then Eagle Brand picked it up.

Hello Dollies Bar Ingredients

• unsalted butter
• graham crackers crumbs
• unsweetened shredded coconut
• semi-sweet chocolate chips
• chopped walnuts
• sweetened condensed milk

How to Make Hello Dollies aka Magic Cookie Bars

Grease a square baking dish (either 8×8 or 9×9) and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Melt the butter and combine it with the graham cracker crumbs. You can either crumble them in a bag and smash by hand or use the food processor. Stir well and add this first layer as the crust.

Sprinkle the coconut on, then add the chocolate chips in a layer.

Add the chopped walnuts as the next layer and pour in the condensed milk oven the entire thing.

Bake for 30 minutes or until the magic bars lightly golden brown.

Once they have cooled, slice into 16 squares.

How to Store

Keep Hello Dollies bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for three days. Cookies bars do keep longer when refrigerated, but they are so delicious, there probably won’t be any left at the 3 day mark.

Can You Freeze Magic Bars?

Once they have cooled completely, transfer the squares to a freezer bag in a single layer where they will stay fresh for 2 months. If needed, add a layer of parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick together.

Allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Tips for Making the Best Coconut Dream Bars

• Instead of greasing the dish you can add a layer of parchment paper, which guarantees the bars won’t stick.
• Some people like to add white chocolate chips as a layer and I have ever heard of butterscotch chips if that’s your thing.
• Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds as a twist.

More Easy Dessert Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

• Peanut Butter Banana Brownies
• 4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
• Butternut Cookies
• Eggless Macaroons
• Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies