Hello Dolly Bars

Chewy, nutty, chocolaty, and sweet, Hello Dolly Bars may even be easier to make than they are to eat (and they're definitely too easy to eat). A crisp graham cracker crust is topped with pecans, chocolate morsels, and flaked coconut, and then the magic happens: Sweetened condensed milk is poured right over, binding the ingredients into caramelized, uniform bars as they bake in the oven.

You may have grown up eating these bars, possibly calling them by another name. But no matter what you call them, the sweet mix of ingredients make these treats a guaranteed hit at potlucks or neighborhood parties. Feel free to get creative when it comes to the inclusions; any preferred nuts, dried fruits, flavored morsels, and more are welcome.

Why Are They Called Hello Dolly Bars?

These bars go by a few different names, including magic bars, coconut dream bars, seven-layer cookies, and of course, Hello Dolly Bars. Recipes for these bars began to pop up in the 1960s, both on the back of the Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, as well as submissions in various publications.

The name Hello Dolly Bars most likely stemmed from the popularity of the Broadway show Hello Dolly, which starred Carol Channing around the time this recipe began circulating, although the connection is unclear.

Ingredients for Hello Dolly Bars

To make these bars, you'll need just seven ingredients:

• Graham cracker crumbs: Creates a crisp cookie base at the bottom of the bars. Can substitute with any desired cookie crumbs, including chocolate wafer, Oreo, gingersnap, Biscoff, or shortbread cookie crumbs.
• Melted butter: Mixed in to bind the cookie crust. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch of salt to the mix to balance the sweetness of the bars.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie crust.
• Pecans: Chopped for a nutty crunch with each bite.
• Chocolate morsels: Semisweet or substitute with your favorite type.
• Sweetened flaked coconut: Adds a chewy texture to the bars.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The key ingredient that holds these bars together.

How To Make Hello Dolly Bars

These bars truly are magic. Easy enough for kids to assemble, they're irresistible for all ages. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine first 3 ingredients and press into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan. Bake 8 minutes. Sprinkle pecans, chocolate morsels, and coconut over hot crust. Top with condensed milk.
• Step 2. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 1 hour, then cut into bars.

Variations for Hello Dolly Bars

When it comes to these quick and easy bars, there’s no reason you can’t customize the recipe to suit your tastes:

• Graham crackers are only the beginning. For a chocolate base, use Oreo or chocolate wafer crumbs, or swap with shortbread or Biscoff cookie crumbs for more variety.
• Use your favorite chocolate, including white, milk, dark, or any flavored morsels you prefer.
• Switch up the coconut with oats, cranberries or other dried fruits, and the pecans with any type of nuts you prefer. You can also swap the nuts with seeds or pretzels for a nut-free version.
• Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a final flourish.

How To Store Hello Dolly Bars

Refrigerate cooled bars in an airtight container (stacked between layers of parchment paper) for up to three days. Freeze for up to three months for longer storage. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.