If you grew up eating Magic Bars, then you are going to love these Magic Cookies! These are my German Chocolate Magic Cookies, and they take everything that you know and love about traditional Magic Bars, but made into a rich and delicious cookie. Plus, they come together in less time than it takes to prepare a batch of Magic Bars, making them the perfect way to satisfy your cravings!
Earlier this year, I shared my recipe for my now-famous Magic Cookies, and they’ve quickly become one of my most popular cookie recipes yet! I love sharing nostalgic recipes from my childhood with a better-for-you twist, and my Magic Cookies are no exception. So, when I found myself craving a version with even MORE rich and delicious chocolate… these German Chocolate Magic Cookies were born.
This version swaps the cashews for pecans and adds in cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist that tastes just like a german chocolate cake, but in cookie form. The result? The perfect chocolate cookie that is naturally gluten-free, flour-free, dairy-free, and vegan as well!
What is a Magic Cookie?
If you’ve never had a Magic Bar, it’s a layered dessert, similar to a brownie, that is made from layers of chocolate chips, condensed milk, and coconut flakes, layered on top of a graham cracker crust. It’s delicious, packed with tons of flavors and textures, and I can easily eat a whole tray myself!
But, magic bars can be a time-consuming recipe that often takes hours to prepare. These magic cookies take everything that you know and love about a Magic Bar, but instead, turns them into cookies that are so much easier to make. Once you make these cookies, you’ll never want to make traditional Magic Bars again!
What You Need to Make These Nostalgic Magic Cookies
- Pecans: While my traditional Magic Cookies use cashews, this recipe swaps them out for pecans. Why? Well, pecans are an essential ingredient when it comes to german chocolate cake, and these cookies wouldn’t taste like it without them!
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Since these cookies are plenty sweet on their own, thanks to the condensed milk, you’ll want to use unsweetened coconut flakes, to avoid these cookies becoming too sweet.
- Chocolate Chips: Pick your favorite chocolate chips and use them in these cookies!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: After all, these wouldn’t be magic cookies if they weren’t rich, chocolatey, and delicious. And unsweetened cocoa powder is the key to achieving just that!
- Coconut Condensed Milk: And while traditional Magic Bars aren’t vegan-friendly, this recipe is by swapping out coconut condensed milk instead. And if you want to use dairy condensed milk, that also works too. Use what you have!
How to Make These Rich & Chocolatey Magic Cookies
To make these magic cookies, start by preheating the oven to 350 F. Next, add all of the ingredients to a large bowl: the pecans, unsweetened coconut flakes, chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, and coconut condensed milk. Then, mix until all of the ingredients are fully coated in the condensed milk.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to scoop out large spoonfuls of the mixture and line them up on the baking sheet. Be sure to give each scoop ample room, as the coconut condensed milk will cause the cookies to spread.
Bake the cookies for 15-16 minutes, until they’re golden brown. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and allow them to fully cool for approximately 10 minutes. This is very important, as the condensed milk needs time to set! If any of the milk scattered across the baking sheet, use a spoon to push them back into the cookies.
When the cookies have cooled and the condensed milk has hardened, serve your cookies, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Pecans, chopped
- 1 ½ Cups Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
- ¾ Cup Chocolate Chips
- 2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ¾ Can Coconut Condensed Milk, this is approximately 11-12 ounces. You can also use regular condensed milk, if you prefer!
Instructions
- To make these magic cookies, start by preheating the oven to 350 F.
- Next, add all of the ingredients to a large bowl: the pecans, unsweetened coconut flakes, chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, and coconut condensed milk.
- Mix until all of the ingredients are fully coated in the condensed milk.
- Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to scoop out large spoonfuls of the mixture and line them up on the baking sheet. Be sure to give each scoop ample room, as the coconut condensed milk will cause the cookies to spread.
- Bake the cookies for 15-16 minutes, until they're golden brown.
- Once they're done, remove them from the oven and allow them to fully cool for approximately 10 minutes. This is very important, as the condensed milk needs time to set! If any of the milk scattered across the baking sheet, use a spoon to push them back into the cookies.
- When the cookies have cooled and the condensed milk has hardened, serve your cookies, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.
Rate & review
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What others are saying
I made these the other day and they are delicious. A very simple sweet treat to make. Unfortunately, my cookies did not turn out as pretty as Nicole’s but they were still good.
Question…any idea what the calorie count is for these sinful wonderfulness? Thanks.
Hi Dayle, I’m so happy that you enjoyed these cookies! Unfortunately I do not provide calorie counts for my recipes, but you can plug the ingredients into an app like MyFitnessPal and grab the calorie counts that way!
Hi, can I make these one day before I want to serve them or should I make them day of?