7 layer cookies are an indulgent treat that combines ingredients like cashew nuts, coconut, chocolate chips, and coconut cream. Each bite offers the perfect balance between sweet and nutty elements. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, just craving something sweet, or meal prepping for the week, these healthy cookies won’t disappoint!
Why you’ll love these seven layer cookies
- Quick & easy: These magic cookies come together in a flash! Just mix the batter, then pop them into the oven. They’re done baking in 30 minutes!
- Healthy: They are low-sugar, low-carb (although not keto), gluten-free, and vegetarian, and still can be easily adapted to be dairy-free and vegan.
- Simple ingredients: All of the ingredients are easy-to-find pantry staples. You might already have them in your kitchen!
- Taste and texture heaven: These 7 layer cookies have a balanced sweet, nutty, and creamy flavor with an addicting crunchy, chewy, and soft texture.
What are 7 layer cookies?
Seven layer cookies, often prepared in bar form, are treats made up of multiple layers of sweet, nutty, and salty ingredients. When they’re baked, each layer of the cookie offers a distinct taste and texture, not unlike 7 layer dip!
This delicious dessert is often served at events like holiday parties, family gatherings, cookie exchanges, bake sales, and more.
Why are they also called Hello Dolly cookies?
Seven layer cookies are often referred to as "Hello Dolly" cookies because they became popular around the same time the musical "Hello, Dolly!" was a hit.
The catchy name stuck, linking this delish Hello Dolly cookies recipe to the charm of the famous Broadway show.
7 layer cookies recipe
We take an unique approach in this 7 layer cookies recipe because we use healthier-for-you ingredients and an easy mixing technique. Instead of spending precious time on tedious layers, I combine the ingredients and form individual cookies.
Implementing these tweaks makes this recipe great for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike! Plus, it requires very minimal prep time and utilizes simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Once baked, each bite of these seven-layer cookies is loaded with rich coconut cream, decadent chocolate chips, and the nuttiness of cashew and almond flour. They’re soft and tender in the middle with golden-brown, crispy edges. Serve them warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Ingredients and substitutions
To make these 7 layer cookies, you'll need:
- 1 1⁄2 cups cashew nuts - You can use almonds or walnuts as an alternative.
- 1 1⁄2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes - Shredded coconut can also be used.
- 3⁄4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (and/or dark chocolate -- for a vegan recipe, use a vegan chocolate) -- other options are a mix of butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips with the chocolate chips but try to keep the ¾ cup measurement as the total.
- ⅔ cup almond flour - You can also try gluten-free oat flour!
- 1 cup coconut cream (NOT cream of coconut which is also known as Coco Lopez) – If you make this healthy version with coconut cream, add one large egg, at room temperature, to this recipe to act as a binder. However, if you prefer to make the old-fashioned version of the magic cookie bar recipe use the same amount of sweetened condensed milk (or for a vegan/dairy-free version, sweetened condensed coconut milk) but skip the egg.
- 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Almond extract can be used for a nuttier flavor.
- 5 tablespoon light brown sugar (or Swerve brown for a low-carb version) – If using either sweetened condensed milk or coconut sweetened condensed milk, skip the sugar.
How to make 7-layer cookies
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and reserve.
2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together very well. TIP: If you adding an egg to this recipe, add the egg to the bowl first, whisk it with the vanilla very well for a few seconds, and then mix in the remaining ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon until homogeneous. This will prevent your cookies from tasting eggy!
3. The mixture will be sticky! Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the cookie mixture onto the lined baking sheet, making sure to keep each about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten their tops with the palm of your hand.
4. Bake for 20-28 minutes or until lightly golden brown or top and set. After baking, if the condensed milk has spread, take a spoon and gently push it towards the cookie.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to a rack and let the cookies cool for at least 10 minutes: otherwise, they will fall apart. Gently remove them with a metal spatula and enjoy!
Useful tips for making magic cookies
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even distribution of flavors in this magic cookies recipe.
- For a richer taste, you can toast the nuts and coconut flakes beforehand. Just be careful not to burn them!
- Remember to line your baking tray for easy removal and cleanup of the cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool in the pan before moving them to a wire rack. This will give them time to set and prevent them from falling apart.
- Experiment with the thickness or size of the cookies and adjust the texture to your preference.
- Since all the ingredients are mixed together, ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough to guarantee every cookie has a bit of each ingredient.
- Always preheat your oven for accurate baking times and to achieve a consistent texture.
- Leave enough space between each of the seven layer cookies on the baking tray to prevent them from merging into each other as they bake.
Variations
- Tropical: Add some chopped dried pineapples or mangoes for a tropical twist.
- Berries: Include dried cranberries or blueberries for a touch of berry sweetness.
- Instant coffee: Sprinkle some instant coffee granules into the cookie batter to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Caramel or peanut butter: Top your 7 layer cookies with a drizzle of caramel sauce or melted peanut butter after baking.
- White: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer version.
- Nuts: Incorporate different nuts like pecans, walnuts, peanuts, or hazelnuts.
- Double chocolate: Dip the cookie bottoms in a layer of melted chocolate, or add white chocolate chips to the batter. We ask for ¾ cup chocolate chips. You can use ½ cup of semisweet chocolate and ¼ cup white chocolate for example.
- Butterscotch: You can mix chocolate and butterscotch chips in this recipe to make it different.
- Minty: Use a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty result.
- S'mores style: Add in some marshmallows and graham crackers.
What to serve with 7 layer cookies
Although seven layer cookies are satisfying enough on their own, here are a few of my favorite toppings and garnishes to elevate their flavor:
- Whipped cream
- Ice cream
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate drizzle (like we did!)
- Caramel sauce
- Melted peanut butter or butterscotch
- Crushed nuts
FAQs
What are the old fashioned 7 layer cookie bars made of?
Old-fashioned 7 layer cookies traditionally include butter, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, nuts, sweetened condensed milk, and shredded coconut.
Is this seven layer cookies recipe healthy?
While this version offers healthier substitutions like almond flour and unsweetened coconut, it's still a dessert. Moderation is key, but the alternatives make it a better choice than its traditional counterpart due to its significant reduction of sugar and simple carbohydrates.
What other ingredients can I add to these 7 layer cookies?
You can experiment by adding dried fruits, different nuts, flavor extracts, or even different types of chocolate to enhance the taste and texture.
How do you keep MAGIC BAR cookies fresh?
Although making a 7 layer cookies is easy, it’s crucial to let the cookies cool down fully before you start the storage process. This is the most important step to keep the 7 layer cookies fresh for longer. For additional storage tips, check out the storage section below. You can prep them many day ahead for snack and still keep them fresh.
Can you make 7-layer bar cookies without coconut?
Definitely! If coconut doesn't suit your taste, you can skip it in a 7-layer bar cookie recipe. If you still want 7 ingredients, you may want to try adding bits of pretzels, butterscotch chips, a handful of mini marshmallows, or an extra serving of nuts.
Are 7 layer cookies gluten-free?
This seven layer cookies recipe is inherently gluten-free due to the use of almond flour. However, if you’re adding other ingredients or using alternative types of flour, always check the label for gluten content.
Is there a vegan version of this 7 layer cookies recipe?
Of course! To make this recipe vegan, just use sweetened condensed coconut milk and vegan chocolate chips.
how to store
If you have extra 7 layer cookies or want to make them ahead of time, here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze them for up to one month.
More healthy cookie recipes
- Healthy peanut butter cookies
- Pumpkin breakfast cookies
- Healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
- Healthy cookie dough
- Protein cookie dough balls
PIN AND ENJOY!
7 Layer Cookies (Healthy)
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 large baking sheet
- 1 Ice cream scoop
- 1 large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cashew nuts You can use almonds or walnuts as an alternative.
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened coconut flakes Shredded coconut can also be used.
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips and/or dark chocolate -- for a vegan recipe, use a vegan chocolate -- other options are a mix of butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips with the chocolate chips but try to keep the ¾ cup measurement as the total.
- ⅔ cup almond flour You can also try gluten-free oat flour!
- 1 cup coconut cream NOT cream of coconut which is also known as Coco Lopez – If you make this healthy version with coconut cream, add one large egg, at room temperature, to this recipe to act as a binder. However, if you prefer to make the old-fashioned version of the magic cookie bar recipe use the same amount of sweetened condensed milk (or for a vegan/dairy-free version, sweetened condensed coconut milk) but skip the egg.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract Almond extract can be used for a nuttier flavor.
- 5 tablespoon light brown sugar or Swerve brown for a low-carb version – If using either sweetened condensed milk or coconut sweetened condensed milk, skip the sugar.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and reserve.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together very well. TIP: If you adding an egg to this recipe, add the egg to the bowl first, whisk it with the vanilla very well for a few seconds, and then mix in the remaining ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon until homogeneous. This will prevent your cookies from tasting eggy!
- The mixture will be sticky! Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the cookie mixture onto the lined baking sheet, making sure to keep each about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten their tops with the palm of your hand.
- Bake for 20-28 minutes or until lightly golden brown or top and set. After baking, if the condensed milk has spread, take a spoon and gently push it towards the cookie.
- Transfer the baking sheet to a rack and let the cookies cool for at least 10 minutes: otherwise, they will fall apart. Gently remove them with a metal spatula and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Fridge: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze them for up to one month.
Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
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