Everyone loves old-fashioned 7 layer cookie bars but my kids can never agree on what toppings should go on them. We make small-batch cookie bars so they can customize their own toppings. It's a great recipe to make with kids whether you just want a fun dessert or need a tasty party idea.
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Small-Batch Dream Bars
Small-batch cookie bars are delicious like the regular magic cookie bar recipe, but this idea lets each kid DIY their very own batch.
I love a party idea that is not only an activity but also a treat they can enjoy at the party plus a tasty favor they can take home with them.
Related: Ice Cream Float Bar
Kids love to customize desserts and this is a fun way to do that no matter if you are making them with family or with a larger group.
If you're looking for a fun party station idea, this is a great one, especially or kid's parties.
Ingredients
I set out the toppings that you usually find on a dream bar but feel free to get creative!
- graham cracker crumbs
- butter, melted
- chocolate chips
- butterscotch chips
- coconut
- white chocolate chips
- toasted almonds
- toffee bits
You can add just about anything but my kids are not a fan of things like raisins so I didn't even bother.
Supplies
I found cute, small baking dishes at a local Japanese dollar store and picked up 4 of them. I figured that 4 of them would make up roughly a 9x13 baking dish.
These would be best for a party since you can bake and serve them right to the kids once they've cooled.
If you can't find small dishes like these, you could also just section off parts of a full pan and have the kids make their own all in the same pan. Or use disposable baking dishes.
Instructions
Step 1
Mix the crushed graham cracker crumbs and the melted butter in a small bowl or measuring cup. Why are graham crackers and butter SO good??
Have each kid add some of the crumb mixture to their dish (that you've sprayed with oil) then press it into the bottom.
We put approximately ½ cup of the crust in each pan and pressed down.
Step 2
Drizzle on sweetened condensed milk.
This does not have to be precise, just try to make sure that the top of the graham cracker is pretty well covered. This is what gets all good and gooey when it bakes.
Step 3
Have each kid add toppings until their heart is content.
Then add some more.
Be sure to test them out to see if you really like them or not.
This kid used the old "one for you, one for me" mentality.
Step 4
When you are done putting on your toppings, pat them down into the condensed milk so they get baked in.
Step 5
Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 -30 minutes or until golden brown.
To keep things easy on myself, I like to put several in at one time so I don't have to keep track of how long each one has been in.
Trust me. These cookie bars didn't last long. The small dishes I used could be cut into about 4 servings each.
Use one of these to-go boxes to send home the rest.
These magic cookie bars are almost as easy to make as a dump cake and are crazy tasty. Total crowd pleaser.
All images by Dez and Tam Photography
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Small Batch Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 ⅓ cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- Any other toppings you could possibly want like toffee chips raisins, dried fruits, peanuts, potato chips...)
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the crumb mixture (approximately ½ cup depending on the size of your baking dish) in to the bottom of a pan sprayed with cooking spray.
- Drizzle on sweetened condensed milk.
- Add toppings and press in to the condensed milk.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 -30 minutes or until golden brown.
- For making smaller batches, you'll need to adjust the amount of crust and condensed milk depending on your pan choice.
Chris @ Celebrations At Home says
What a great idea. I love it! Now I can eat 2-3 small batches instead of 1 big one! ;-)
laura londergan says
this is such a great idea when you have people that can't decide on just one flavor - genius idea girl! Oh and the fact that your boys are so hip makes this the thing to do anyway. I must put this on my list as they look soooooo good! ;)