Hello Dolly Bars

Sweet, crunchy, and chewy. Nutty, coconutty and chocolatey… Hello Dolly bars almost always hit the spot for whatever you crave! Here’s my recipe for these delicious treats.

Hello Dolly bars are a solid choice for family gatherings, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Sometimes called seven-layer bars, magic bars and magic cookie bars, they combine many flavors and textures for an indulgent treat that checks all the boxes.

The name of Hello Dolly bars is as charming as their flavor, and supposedly the connection to the late 1969 Broadway musical of the same name stops there. By most accounts, variations of this recipe became popular throughout the 1960s, and they became associated.

Hello Dolly bars have earned their place as a cherished treat for a good reason. They bring together the best of ingredients—graham cracker crust, chocolate and butterscotch chips, pecans, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk.

Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the graham crackers and pecans, a rich creaminess from the sweetened condensed milk, and the perfect balance of sweetness from the chocolate and butterscotch chips.

What to serve with Holly Dolly bars

These bars are not only delicious, but they are also versatile. They’re perfect for serving at potlucks, parties, or as an after-dinner treat. Their easy-to-cut shape makes them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up, making them a go-to dessert for almost any occasion.

They pair beautifully with other holiday treats in a festive spread. A few favorites of mine include holiday pecan snowball cookies, peppermint bark cookies, and a couple of savory items like orange and cranberry brie bites and bacon wrapped chicken bites.

When planning a menu, consider incorporating Hello Dolly bars as the grand finale to a scrumptious meal. These rich bars complement a variety of entrées and sides.

Serve them with a savory dish like roast chicken, baked ham, or even lasagna. As for sides, go with a fresh Caesar salad, buttery mashed potatoes, and garlic parmesan Brussels sprouts for a nice balance of flavors.

Hello Dolly bars go well with a variety of drinks. A classic combo would be a cup of hot coffee or tea. For something more refreshing against their decadent flavors, serve them with chilled milk or a frosty root beer float.

For adults, elevate this dessert with a glass of tawny port or a sweet dessert wine.

Ingredients needed to make this Hello Dolly bars recipe

Here are the items you’ll need to round up for making these treats and a little about how each contributes to the flavor.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Forms the base and adds a sweet, crunchy texture.
• Melted Butter: Binds the graham cracker crust, enhancing its flavor and texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds a rich chocolatey flavor and gooey texture.
• Butterscotch Chips: Provides a sweet, buttery taste that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
• Pecan Halves: Adds a nutty flavor and crunch.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Enhances the texture and lends a tropical, sweet flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetens the bars and binds the ingredients together.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents the bars from sticking to the pan.

Frequently asked questions about Hello Dolly bars

Here are a few questions and answers about this recipe for Hello Dolly bars. If you have a question I haven’t covered, leave it in the comments, and I will reply as soon as I can!

Can I make Hello Dolly bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Hello Dolly bars ahead of time—up to three days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve them.

Can I freeze Hello Dolly bars?

Yes, you can freeze Hello Dolly bars. Simply cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and keep them in the freezer for up to two months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other chips?

Yes, you can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips. Some folks add peanut butter chips or swap them with the butterscotch. There are so many recipe variations on this classic.

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Yes, you can use any type of nuts in Hello Dolly bars, or add them for more nutty flavor and crunch. Walnuts, almonds, cashews or even macadamia nuts all give a unique twist to the traditional recipe for seven-layer bars.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from burning?

I haven’t had this problem following the recipe below, however here’s an extra measure to prevent the chocolate chips from burning: Try covering the baking pan loosely with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.

More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this recipe for Hello Dolly bars, take a look at some of these other yummy recipes:

• Old-Fashioned Chess Pie
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
• Southern No-Bake Banana Pudding
• Southern Chocolate Delight
• Homemade Carrot Cake