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Craving a cookie that’s more than just a sweet treat? Imagine a cookie bursting with layers of flavor and an irresistibly soft, chewy texture. Our Chewy Seven Layer Cookies are precisely that – a symphony of chocolate and butterscotch chips, tropical coconut, and crunchy pecans, all brought together with a secret ingredient that guarantees the ultimate chewiness and makes them the BEST cookie recipe you’ll ever bake!

These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies. While classic chocolate chip cookies hold a special place in our hearts, these Seven Layer Cookies elevate the experience to an entirely new level. They transform the beloved seven-layer bar into a convenient, handheld cookie form, packed with a rich variety of textures and tastes. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweet chocolate, creamy butterscotch, exotic coconut, and earthy pecans, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience.

And the absolute best part? Their extraordinary chewiness! This isn’t just a claim; it’s a promise, thanks to a special ingredient. So, what’s the secret to achieving such perfectly soft and chewy cookies every single time? I’m excited to share it: Karo®Corn Syrup.

Karo® Corn Syrup is truly the magic touch that ensures the best, chewiest cookies imaginable, and these Seven Layer Cookies are no exception. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to achieve that coveted soft-on-the-inside, slightly crisp-on-the-outside, deeply chewy cookie texture. Read on to discover why this ingredient is a must-have in your baking pantry.

Contents

Unveiling the Inspiration: A Timeless Family Recipe

These magnificent 7 layer cookies are exactly what you’re imagining – a cookie version of the classic seven-layer bars, also affectionately known as Magic Bars or Hello Dolly Bars. The inspiration struck when I was thumbing through my husband’s grandmother’s cherished cookbook, a treasure trove of generations-old recipes. Among its yellowed pages, I discovered a recipe for seven layer cookies, and I instantly knew I had to bring them to life in my own kitchen.

Baking is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and continuing traditions. Just as Karo® Corn Syrup has been the leading corn syrup brand for over 100 years, becoming a staple in countless family kitchens, I make it a tradition to bake our grandmother’s tried-and-true recipes with my own children. Passing down these culinary legacies, along with the joy of baking, is something I hope they’ll continue with their own families for generations to come.

Gathering all the ingredients, with my daughter eager to help, we got to work on this delightful recipe. Creating these traditions in the kitchen, sharing laughter and sweet moments with my kids, is one of my favorite things to do. It’s these experiences that truly enrich life, fostering connections and making delicious memories that last a lifetime.

The Magic of Karo Corn Syrup: Why It Makes the Best Chewy Cookies

You might be wondering, “Why corn syrup?” While often associated with pecan pies or candy making, Karo Corn Syrup is an incredible secret weapon for achieving truly exceptional chewy cookies. Its unique properties play a crucial role in the texture of baked goods:

Moisture Retention: Corn syrup helps retain moisture in cookies, preventing them from drying out and becoming crumbly. This results in a softer, more pliable cookie that stays fresh longer.
Prevents Crystallization: Unlike granulated sugar, corn syrup is an inverted sugar that inhibits the crystallization of other sugars in the recipe. This leads to a smoother, chewier texture rather than a crisp or brittle one.
Enhanced Browning: It contributes to a beautiful, golden-brown crust on your cookies, adding to their visual appeal and a subtle depth of flavor.
Improved Structure: Corn syrup provides a certain elasticity to the dough, which translates into that desirable chewiness once baked.

Incorporating just half a cup of Karo Corn Syrup transforms these seven-layer cookies from good to extraordinary. It’s the key difference between a merely tasty cookie and one that elicits exclamations of delight with every soft, chewy bite.

INGREDIENTS FOR EASY 7 LAYER COOKIES:

Crafting these delectable cookies requires a blend of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Butter: Essential for richness and tender texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for proper creaming.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like flavor and contributes significantly to the chewiness of the cookies due to its moisture content.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
Karo®Corn Syrup: The star ingredient for unparalleled chewiness and moisture retention.
Eggs: Act as a binder, adding structure and richness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements all the other ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the cookies.
Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies spread and become tender.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Chocolate Chips: Classic indulgence, adding pockets of melted chocolate.
Butterscotch Chips: Provide a unique, creamy, and caramel-like sweetness.
Coconut Flakes: Adds a delightful chewiness and tropical flavor dimension.
Pecans: Offer a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.

STEPS TO MAKE CHEWY SEVEN LAYER COOKIES:

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of the most delicious and chewy seven-layer cookies:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars. In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the room temperature butter. Cream it for about 2 minutes until it’s lightened in color and smooth. Next, add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, almost pale in appearance. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ final texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients. Add the Karo® corn syrup, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be smooth and emulsified.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for uniform leavening and flavor.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
Step 6: Fold in the Layers. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake. Using a cookie scoop (a medium-sized scoop works well for uniform cookies), drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly soft. Remember, cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so slightly underbaked centers are key to chewiness.
Step 9: Garnish (Optional but Recommended!). Right when the cookies come out of the oven, while they are still warm and pliable, carefully press additional chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and pecans onto the tops of the cookies. This not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautiful, inviting presentation.
Step 10: Cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This initial cooling on the hot sheet allows them to firm up without breaking.

EXPERT TIPS FOR BAKING THE BEST CHEWY SEVEN LAYER COOKIES:

Achieving perfectly soft and chewy cookies every time is an art, but with these pro tips, you’ll master it:

Grease Your Measuring Cups: Whenever you are using sticky ingredients like corn syrup, honey, or agave, lightly spray your measuring cup with non-stick cooking spray or lightly coat it with a neutral oil before pouring in the liquid. This simple trick will make the sticky liquid slide out smoothly without clinging to the cup, ensuring accurate measurements and less mess.
The Power of Underbaking: For truly chewy cookies, it’s crucial not to overbake them. Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft and slightly undone. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking leads to hard, crispy cookies.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack is vital. This allows the cookies to continue cooking slightly, firm up, and prevent them from breaking apart when you move them.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Room temperature butter creams better with sugar, creating a light, airy base, and room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the mixture, leading to a more consistent dough.
Customize Your Layers: While chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and pecans are classic, feel free to get creative! Substitute with your favorite mix-ins like peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, or even mini marshmallows. The possibilities are endless!
Proper Storage for Lasting Freshness: To maintain the chewiness of these cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a delicious treat anytime.

Chewy Seven Layer Cookies

Yield:
30 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
9 minutes

Total Time:
14 minutes

Chewy Seven Layer Cookies are stuffed full of chocolate and butterscotch chips, coconut and pecans. They’re super chewy and soft using a secret ingredient to make them the BEST cookie recipe!

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup Karo® Corn Syrup
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1/4 cup Pecans, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Into a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, add butter and cream for 2 minutes until light and smooth.
Next, add in both sugars and beat for 2-3 more minutes until fluffy and pale. Then, add in Karo® corn syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Onto a parchment lined baking sheet, using a cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough, leaving space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
When the cookies come out of the oven, carefully press additional chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and pecans on top for a beautiful presentation.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recommended Products

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Silpat Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, (2 pack)
Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware, Baking Sheet, 2-Piece Set
OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 30
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 133Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 159mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 2g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.

I’ve been using Karo®Corn Syrup for years, not just for these incredible seven-layer cookies, but also for my classic Pecan Pie, where it delivers unparalleled richness and texture. But as you’ve seen, corn syrup is far from being just for pies. It’s an invaluable ingredient that brings all the elements in your favorite cookie recipes together, creating that perfect balance – chewier on the outside and still irresistibly soft and moist in the middle. For even more inspiration and delicious ideas, be sure to visit the Karo®Corn Syrup cookie and bar recipe page.

Decadent Seven Layer Bars