Hello Dollies Recipe

Graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs form the base of the bars, providing a crunchy and slightly sweet foundation.

Butter: Melted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together to create a solid crust.

Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical sweetness to the bars.

Chocolate chips: These melt into gooey pockets of chocolate, adding richness to each bite.

Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the bars.

Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet milk binds all the layers together and adds a creamy sweetness.

When pressing the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter mixture into the baking pan, use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even and compact crust. This will help create a sturdy base for the coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts layers, preventing them from crumbling when you cut the bars.

• graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with crushed digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and slightly sweet flavor, making them a good alternative.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in place of butter for a similar texture and moisture content.

• sweetened shredded coconut - Substitute with unsweetened shredded coconut: If you prefer less sweetness, unsweetened shredded coconut can be used, and you can adjust the sweetness by adding a bit of sugar.

• chocolate chips - Substitute with carob chips: Carob chips are a good alternative for those avoiding chocolate, offering a similar texture and sweetness.

• chopped nuts - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good nut-free option.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar sweetness and consistency.

• Allow your Hello Dollies to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps maintain their structure and prevents them from becoming soggy.

• Once cooled, cut the bars into your desired size. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and avoid crumbling.

• For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, you can refrigerate the Hello Dollies. Place them in an airtight container, again with parchment or wax paper between layers. They will keep for up to a week in the fridge.

• To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness. Hello Dollies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature for about an hour. For a quicker option, you can microwave them for a few seconds, but be cautious not to overheat and melt the chocolate chips.

• If you prefer a warm treat, you can reheat the Hello Dollies in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the bars for about 10 minutes. This will give them a freshly baked taste and texture.

• Always ensure the bars are stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause the chocolate to melt and the coconut to lose its crunch.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Hello Dollies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the chocolate chips are slightly melty.

• Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place a Hello Dollies bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check to see if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals until desired warmth is achieved.

• For a toaster oven, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the Hello Dollies on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the Hello Dollies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.

• Oven: Used to bake the Hello Dollies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.

• 9x13 inch baking pan: The pan where the crust and layered ingredients are assembled and baked.

• Measuring cup: Essential for accurately measuring the graham cracker crumbs, butter, coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts.

• Spatula: Handy for pressing the graham cracker mixture into the baking pan and for spreading the sweetened condensed milk evenly.

• Knife: Used to chop the nuts if they are not pre-chopped.

• Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of sweetened condensed milk.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked bars to cool completely before cutting.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the nuts.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring smaller quantities if needed.

• Mixing spoon: Used to mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure out the graham cracker crumbs, butter, coconut, chocolate chips, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk before starting. This will streamline the process.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Pre-chop nuts: Buy pre-chopped nuts or chop them in advance to save time.

Cool in fridge: Speed up the cooling process by placing the baking pan in the fridge.