Every once in a while, I pull out my grandma's old recipe box and find a little treasure that deserves another turn in the kitchen. These Graham Cracker Pecan Cookie Bars were one of those finds! I made a few small tweaks to the original recipe while keeping everything that made it special.
They're rich, chewy, and packed with crunchy pecans, sweet coconut, and melty chocolate chips, all held together with sweetened condensed milk. Best of all, there's no complicated mixing or special equipment required. Just stir everything together, bake, and enjoy a batch of old-fashioned cookie bars that have been making people smile for generations!
Graham Cracker Pecan Cookie Bars are irresistible
Some recipes stick around for decades because they simply work, and these Graham Cracker Pecan Cookie Bars are one of them! They come together with everyday pantry ingredients, making them an easy dessert to make whenever you're craving something homemade without making a special trip to the store.
They're also a great make-ahead treat. Bake a pan the day before a family gathering, holiday party, or bake sale, then simply slice and serve when you're ready. The bars hold together beautifully, making them easy to transport and even easier to share.
Graham Cracker Pecan Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 1 9x9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°. Spray 9x9 pan with nonstick coating, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl add the graham cracker crumbs, flour and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Fold in the remaining ingredients - chocolate chips, chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
- Spoon into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 38-40 minutes until golden brown and the sides just begin to pull away from the pan.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. While still warm, cut into bars. Let cool completely before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Love this recipe? Join the free membership group!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes. Chopped walnuts are an easy substitute and provide a similar crunch. Or use your favorite chopped nuts if you prefer.
The bars are easier to slice cleanly before they cool completely. Letting them cool the rest of the way after cutting helps them set up while keeping the edges neat.
Deb's top tips
Let the bars cool just enough that they're no longer piping hot before dusting them with powdered sugar. If they're too warm, the sugar will melt into the bars instead of creating a pretty finish.
Baking notes
I originally made these bars in a 9x13-inch baking dish because that's what Grandma's handwritten recipe called for. After testing the recipe, I found a 9x9-inch baking pan produced a much better result. The bars bake up thicker, chewier, and more like the cookie bars I was hoping for.
I also increased the amount of chocolate chips from Grandma's original recipe because I wanted a little more chocolate in every bite. I've tested them with both mini chocolate chips and regular semisweet chocolate chips, and either one works beautifully.
Related recipes
If old-fashioned bars and easy treats are your thing, you're in the right place! My Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars are a no-bake favorite packed with peanut butter goodness, S'Mores Bars bring all the classic campfire flavors into an easy dessert.
Fruity Pebbles Blondies add a colorful, fun twist that's always a hit with kids and adults alike. They're all simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Wrapping it up
Whether you're baking these for a family gathering, packing them for a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, I hope you enjoy every bite! When you make them, I'd love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment and a star rating below. They help other home bakers find the recipe, too. 😋
Melody Hill says
I cannot wait to try these! They have many of my favorite ingredients and will really satisfy my sweet tooth!
Karen Engebretson says
I will be trying these out this week once this hot weather breaks. Always like a quick sweet treat and this will fit that bill. Thank you!
Evelyn Jordan says
Thank you for this wonderful sounding recipe. I will have to substitute pecans for walnuts or almonds but will fix this soon.
Debra Clark says
You're so welcome Evelyn, I hope you give it a try!
Terry says
Hi, Deb - I got here (again today), by a link supplied by Marye at Restless Chipotle. I already receive waaay too many emails to subscribe at this time, but I'd gladly be open to receiving notifications, if that's something you do.
That being said - these bars look a li'l bit decadent. In other words, the perfect gift (or just to keep and eat all by myself 🤭)! It's been known to happen, and sadly I have the waist and hips to prove it 😕
Debra Clark says
Thanks for stopping by Terry, I appreciate it and totally understand. Regardless.... yes you NEED these bars in your life, I hope you give them a try! And p.s. I always say things end up going to waist and not waste. What can I say? 😆
Sue Turcsany says
Love anything with pecans, it's my favorite nut. Looks so fancy and decadent for something that seems easy to make.
Debra Clark says
SO easy, these are absolutely terrific. I think you'll really enjoy them Sue!
Carol says
I have been looking for bar cookie recipes so I not have to stay close to the kitchen oven like one does when trays of cookies are baking. Having chocolate chips in the bars I know my family will enjoy!
Debra Clark says
Fantastic! I think your family will really enjoy these bars Carol. Thanks so much!
Sherri Rochester says
#ohmyyum
These looks delicious and easy! I can almost smell them. All the perfect summer sweet ingredients. Bonus points that they are in bar form! On my list. Thank you so much.
Debra Clark says
Thank you so much! This is hard to resist, especially when they're packed into an easy-to-serve bar. I hope you get a chance to make them soon. I'd love to hear what you think once you've had your first bite! 😊