Newfoundland Five Star Cookie Bar Recipe

This Newfoundland Five Star Cookie Bars is an absolute classic in my family! Every holiday season, my nan from Newfoundland would send a large and carefully packed parcel to Nova Scotia.

The baker filled it with all kinds of squares, cookies, and treats. These bars were always the first to go. Sweet, chewy, and topped with melted chocolate, they’re just as much about nostalgia as they are about flavor.

These five star bars are incredibly easy to make, with only 7 ingredients! All you need is condensed milk, coconut, graham crackers, vanilla, melted butter, and chocolate.

Trust me—this straightforward recipe packs a serious flavor punch with minimal effort. These cookie bars are perfect for a potluck, a cozy movie night, or a treat with friends. They are easy to make and incredibly delicious. If you haven’t tried them yet, they’re a must.

Breaking Down the Ingredients

Each ingredient adds something special. Together, they create the tasty graham cracker crust and creamy chocolate topping. This makes the 5 star bars unforgettable.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: This forms the base of the graham cracker crust. Sweet and slightly nutty, these crumbs bring a subtle flavor that complements the richness of the condensed milk.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut helps balance the sweetness in a recipe. It adds flavor without being too overpowering.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy and sweet, sweetened condensed milk holds everything together. It gives these bars their soft chewiness.
• Melted Butter: Using unsalted butter ensures you can control the salt level. It also helps bind the crust and gives the bars their tender texture.
• Vanilla: Just a small amount of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming them.
• Aero Bars: For an authentic Newfoundland experience, use Aero Bars for the chocolate layer. Their light, airy texture melts beautifully. Milk chocolate chips work too if you’re in a pinch!
• Flaky salt for topping: A light sprinkle of salt on the melted chocolate balances the sweetness. It brings all the flavors together.

How to Make Newfoundland Five Star Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a batch of Newfoundland five star bars that tastes just as good as Nan’s.

1. Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven: First, line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to cover the sides for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until well mixed.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and coconut. You can pulse graham crackers in a food processor to get the crumbs, but store-bought cracker crumbs work great too.
4. Bring It All Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well coated. Ensure that you cover each crumb in the condensed milk and butter mixture.
5. Press Into the Pan: Pour the mixture into the baking pan. Use a spatula to press it evenly into the corners and sides. A little bit of pressure here will ensure a nice, firm base once baked.
6. Bake the Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start turning golden.
7. Prepare the Aero Bars: While the base is baking, chop up your Aero Bars or milk chocolate chips. This is the chocolate topping, and the melted chocolate is key to these bars.
8. Add the chocolate: After you bake the base, take it out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped chocolate over the warm crust. Let it sit for about 5 minutes—the heat will melt the chocolate.
9. Spread and Add Finishing Touches: Using a spatula, gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over the surface. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top for added flavor.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This ensures the chocolate sets and makes slicing easier.

Why Aero Bars are the Best for Five Star Bars

Using Aero Bars as the chocolate layer is the authentic choice for these Newfoundland five star bars. Their bubbly texture melts fast and spreads evenly.

This creates a smooth, creamy chocolate layer. It contrasts perfectly with the graham cracker crust. Plus, they bring a touch of nostalgia that only Aero can deliver.

If you can’t find Aero Bars, don’t worry! Milk chocolate chips work well, too—just be sure to add them immediately after baking so they melt nicely.

Tips for Perfect Five Star Bars

• Ensure that you cover every piece of graham cracker and coconut in the condensed milk mixture. This helps with even baking and flavor.
• Bake at the Right Temperature: Set your oven to 350°F for just the right amount of crunch on the crust without overcooking. Adjust the bake time as needed based on your oven.
• Cool Completely: Before slicing, let the bars cool fully. This allows the chocolate to set and makes for clean cuts.
• Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to put your own spin on these bars. You can use different types of chocolate, add nuts like pecans, or mix in a little brown sugar for extra depth.

Storing Your Newfoundland Five Star Cookie Bars

These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, or you can refrigerate them for longer shelf life. They’re great for meal prep, snacks, or treats anytime you need a bit of sweetness in your day.

These Newfoundland Five Star Bars are the best comfort treat. They are perfect for adding a taste of tradition to any gathering.

Other Sweets you might enjoy

Coconut dream bars

Haystack Cookies

Nanaimo Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I really hope you make these for someone you love this holiday season!