So my boys definitely think this is “the most wonderful time of the year” because I bake at least 5 different kinds of Christmas cookies. I’ve got it down pat now. It takes me two days. Three kinds in one day and then the two harder batches – the family pecan crisps and the sugar cookies – on the other day.
Most are my Mom’s recipes, this one included with a really stupid name. But the cookies are really, really good. Okay, so the recipe calls for processed things, usually a no-no for me, but at Christmas, I give in. Here goes.
HELLO DOLLY SQUARES (I told you the name was lame)
Makes 40 bars
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs (about 1 1/2 packs, grind in food processor)
1 – 14 oz. can of Eagle Brand or Magnolia sweetened condensed milk
1 – 6 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 – 3 1/2 oz. can of flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the stick of butter in a 13” x 9” glass Pyrex pan, and put in the oven. Watch it so that the butter just melts and doesn’t boil. Remove pan with the melted butter from oven and swirl around, up the sides of the pan 1/2 inch, and set on a level surface. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly all over the bottom surface. Pour the Eagle Brand milk evenly all over the crumbs. Top evenly with the coconut, chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Press down gently on the top surface.
Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool thoroughly before cutting. Store in a wax paper lined tin at room temperature.
lani doktori says
these look like the perfect and easy cookie for company during the holiday times.
can they be frozen well?
Mary Frances says
You know, we’ve never done that – they get eaten too quickly in my house – but I bet they would freeze nicely.
Joan Jolly says
My Mom calls them Drizzle Bars – however, most everyone knows them as Hello Dolly Squares – at least in St. Louis. Nothing better than Eagle Brand Condensed Milk. My recipe is exactly the same which came from my Mom. xo
Mary Frances says
So do you know where the name “Hello Dolly” came from?
Lucinda Ames says
We always called these Magic Squares and they were tremendously popular when I was a young bride. However, we didn’t add the nuts. THey are delicious!
Mary Frances says
Oh you gotta add the nuts – try it!
So it seems this cookie was popular everywhere? You grew up here on the East Coast, right?
mmmarzipan says
Oh yum! These look lovely! 🙂
Mary Frances says
Thanks!! They are yummy!
LittleTallie says
These look lovely, may I ask what graham cracker crumbs are? I don’t think I’ve heard of them before.
Mary Frances says
You can find them in large grocery stores – made by Nabisco. They are slightly sweet flat crackers made with graham flour.
apuginthekitchen says
Adding this to my holiday cookie list. Sounds delicious and super easy!
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Mary Frances says
They are!! And – good for any time of year!