4th of July Magic Cookie Bars

Name: 4th of July Magic Cookie Bars
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 1 can sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup chocolate chips; ½ cup quick-cooking oats; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup red & blue M&M's

Published: June 6, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: This recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips, white chocolate, and M&M’s creates a rich and satisfying taste experience.
Patriotic Presentation: The red and blue M&M’s add a festive touch that’s perfect for Independence Day celebrations.
Versatile Dessert: Enjoy these cookie bars at picnics, barbecues, or any summer event!
Crowd-Pleaser: They are a hit with guests of all ages due to their chewy texture and sweet flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 Baking Dish
Mixing Bowl
Rubber Spatula
Measuring Cups
Parchment Paper

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for evenly baking your cookie bars.
Mixing Bowl: A sturdy bowl ensures easy mixing without spills.
Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowl to incorporate all ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Base

½ Cup of Salted Butter, Melted
1 ½ Cups of Graham Cracker Crumbs

For the Filling

1 Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 Cup of Chocolate Chips
½ Cup of Quick Cook Oats
1 Cup White Chocolate Chips
1 Cup Red & Blue M&M’s

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until crumbly.
Press this mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×13 baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Condensed Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker layer in your baking dish.

Step 4: Layer on the Goodies

Sprinkle the following evenly over the condensed milk layer:
* ½ cup quick cook oats
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 1 cup white chocolate chips
* 1 cup red & blue M&M’s

Step 5: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Enjoy these delicious 4th of July Magic Cookie Bars at your next celebration!

These delightful 4th of July Magic Cookie Bars are perfect for serving at any festive gathering. They are easy to slice and serve, making them an ideal dessert for picnics, barbecues, or parties.

Individual Portions

Cut into squares: Slice the bars into bite-sized squares for easy serving.
Use cupcake liners: Place each square in a colorful cupcake liner for a festive touch.

With Ice Cream

Serve à la mode: Top warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Add richness by drizzling chocolate syrup over the ice cream and bars.

Toppings and Garnishes

Add whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream enhances the sweetness and adds a creamy texture.
Sprinkle with extra M&M’s: For added color and crunch, sprinkle some extra red and blue M&M’s on top.

To ensure your 4th of July Magic Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Bold use fresh ingredients: Make sure that your butter and baking products are fresh for the best flavor.
Bold measure accurately: Use precise measurements for each ingredient to maintain the right texture.
Bold line your baking dish: Lining your dish with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Bold watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; you want them golden brown but not overcooked.
Bold cool before slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
Bold store properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Pairing side dishes with your 4th of July Magic Cookie Bars can elevate your dessert table. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Bold Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a healthy balance to the sweet bars.
Bold Grilled Veggies: Lightly charred vegetables bring a savory contrast that complements dessert nicely.
Bold Coleslaw: This crunchy side offers a tangy flavor that pairs well with sweet treats.
Bold Corn on the Cob: Freshly grilled corn is a summertime favorite and complements any barbecue spread.
Bold Potato Salad: A classic side dish that provides hearty satisfaction alongside your dessert.
Bold Caprese Skewers: These skewers combine mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a light appetizer option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 4th of July Magic Cookie Bars can be a fun and easy process, but there are a few common mistakes that could affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

Skipping the Parchment Paper: Not lining the baking dish with parchment can make it difficult to remove the bars later. Always line your dish for easy removal and cleanup.
Overmixing the Crust: Mixing the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs too much can result in a dense crust. Mix just until combined to keep it light and crumbly.
Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking. Make sure your butter is fully melted and let other ingredients reach room temperature when possible.
Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before placing your bars in.
Not Allowing Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars too soon can result in messy pieces. Let them cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Using Generic Chocolate Chips: Not all chocolate chips melt well. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture in your 4th of July Magic Cookie Bars.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
These cookie bars can last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap for best results.
Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag; they will keep for up to three months.

Oven: Preheat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds; check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 3-5 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can definitely customize these bars! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or swap out M&M’s with seasonal candies.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips based on your preference for a different flavor profile.

What makes these bars perfect for the 4th of July?

Their red, white, and blue colors from M&M’s make them festive, while their delicious taste makes them a crowd favorite during any summer celebration.

Final Thoughts

The 4th of July Magic Cookie Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Their vibrant colors and rich flavors make them perfect for patriotic celebrations or any summer gathering. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins or toppings based on what you love! Try this recipe today and watch it become a favorite at your holiday gatherings.

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4th of July Magic Cookie Bars

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Author: Jennifer
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

4th of July Magic Cookie Bars are a must-have dessert for your summer celebrations. These delightful bars combine a chewy graham cracker crust with layers of creamy chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and vibrant red and blue M&M’s, creating an irresistible treat that appeals to both kids and adults. With just five minutes of prep time, they are perfect for last-minute gatherings or festive barbecues. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the graham cracker base and a burst of flavor from the rich chocolate and colorful candies. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day or simply enjoying the warm weather, these cookie bars will become a favorite at any event.

Ingredients

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a mixing bowl, stir together melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×13 baking dish.
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
Layer quick-cooking oats, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and red & blue M&M's on top of the condensed milk.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool before slicing.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
Calories: 200
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

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4th of July Magic Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe