Coconut Bounty Cookie Bars

Ingredients

2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup melted butter

1 can sweetened condensed milk (300ml in Canada, 14 oz in the US)

2 cups unsweetened dried coconut (desiccated coconut)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

3 tbsp butter or whipping cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Melt the 1/2 cup of butter and mix together with the chocolate cookie crumbs and sugar.

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.

Bake for 10 minutes.

While the bottom layer is baking, stir together the sweetened milk, coconut & vanilla extract.

Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the previously baked chocolate cookie crust layer.

Coconut Bounty Cookie Bars, second bake.

Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn brown. Be careful not to over bake or the cookie bars will be too dry.

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.

When cool, melt together the chocolate chips and butter (or whipping cream).

Spread evenly over the cooled coconut layer and let stand for an hour or so for the chocolate to set.

Cut in squares and enjoy.

These cookie bars are very freezer friendly for Holiday baking or just to keep on hand for a dessert or sweet treat at any time.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 16 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cookie for the base?

Yes, you can use different types of cookies for the base, such as graham crackers or vanilla wafers. Just crush them into crumbs and follow the recipe as directed.

Can I substitute unsweetened dried coconut with sweetened coconut?

Yes, you can use sweetened dried coconut if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Keep in mind that using sweetened coconut might make the bars overall sweeter.

Can I use a different size baking pan?

If you use a larger pan, the bars will be thinner and might require less baking time.

If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and may require a longer baking time.

Can I replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips?

Absolutely, you can use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor.

The topping will be creamy and delicious.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Certainly, if you enjoy the crunch and flavor of nuts, you can add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the coconut layer for extra texture.

Can I use store-bought cookie crumbs instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought cookie crumbs if you prefer.

However, using homemade crumbs from your favorite chocolate cookies might give the bars a more unique flavor.

Can I use a different type of condensed milk?

Yes, you can use different types of condensed milk, but keep in mind that using sweetened condensed milk is essential to achieving the desired sweetness and consistency in this recipe.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done baking when the edges start to turn golden brown.

Be sure to keep an eye on them during the second baking phase to prevent overbaking, which could result in dry bars.

Can I use coconut oil instead of butter for the chocolate topping?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for the butter or whipping cream in the chocolate topping.

Coconut oil can provide a nice flavor complement to the coconut center.

Can I add other flavorings to the coconut mixture?

Absolutely, you can experiment with adding different flavorings to the coconut mixture.

For instance, almond extract can add a lovely almond flavor, or a touch of lemon zest can provide a citrusy twist.