Enchanted Magic Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Enchanted Magic Cookie Bars combine a rich vanilla custard filling with a buttery crust and a decadent dark chocolate glaze. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a luscious blend of creamy, sweet, and chocolatey flavors in every bite.

A close-up view of a square dessert bar with three visible layers, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly cookie crust in a golden brown color. The middle layer is gooey and smooth, pale caramel in color with embedded chocolate chunks. The top layer is a crunchy, golden brown cookie dough studded generously with chocolate chips and sprinkled with coarse sea salt crystals, adding texture and contrast. The focus is sharp on the front piece with a soft blurred background showing more similar bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Step 3: Blind-bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, then remove and cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then whisk in eggs one at a time. Follow with vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until silky and lump-free.
  5. Step 5: Pour the custard evenly over the pre-baked crust and smooth the surface.
  6. Step 6: Bake again at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until the edges are set but the center still slightly wobbles. Cool completely, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
  7. Step 7: To prepare the chocolate glaze, melt dark chocolate chips and butter together in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Stir in light corn syrup if you want a shinier finish.
  8. Step 8: Drizzle the glaze over the chilled bars and let it set at room temperature.
  9. Step 9: Cut into 12 squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on the crust before baking.
  • Use cream cheese at room temperature for a smoother custard filling.
  • Substitute the dark chocolate with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter glaze.
  • If you prefer a firmer center, bake the custard a few minutes longer but watch closely to avoid overbaking.

Storage

Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, bring them to room temperature for best flavor and texture. Reheat briefly in a low oven if you prefer them warm, but avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a square dessert bar with three visible layers set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thin, firm-looking brown crust. The middle layer is a thick, smooth, golden caramel filling. The top layer is a rough-textured cookie-like dough, studded with semi-melted dark brown chocolate chips and sprinkled with coarse white sea salt crystals. The edges of the dessert are slightly crumbly, and the background reveals more blurred pieces of the same dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars after baking and chilling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What if I don’t have light corn syrup for the glaze?

The corn syrup is optional and used mainly to give the chocolate glaze a glossy finish. If you don’t have it, simply omit it. The glaze will still taste great, though it may be less shiny.

Print
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Enchanted Magic Cookie Bars Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 2 hours, 60 minutes including chilling
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

Enchanted Magic Cookie Bars are a luscious, layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, a creamy vanilla custard filling, and a rich dark chocolate glaze. Baked to perfection, these bars combine smooth cream cheese custard and a glossy chocolate topping for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Vanilla Custard Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Chocolate Glaze

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Blind-bake the crust: Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Make the vanilla custard: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then whisk in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until the mixture is silky and lump-free.
  4. Assemble and bake: Pour the custard mixture over the pre-baked crust and smooth the surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the edges are set but the center still slightly wobbles. Remove from oven and cool completely, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
  5. Prepare the chocolate glaze: Melt the dark chocolate chips and butter together in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Stir in the light corn syrup if a shinier finish is desired.
  6. Finish and serve: Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the chilled bars. Let the glaze set at room temperature, then cut into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
  • The light corn syrup in the glaze is optional but adds a beautiful shine.
  • Make sure not to overbake the custard; the center should remain slightly wobbly before cooling.
  • Refrigerate the bars to allow the custard to firm up for easier slicing.
  • Use a sharp knife heated under hot water and wiped dry for clean cuts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: enchanted magic cookie bars, cream cheese custard bars, baked dessert bars, chocolate glaze dessert, layered dessert bars

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