Samoa Magic Bars

 I was a girl scout when I was younger and it was always fun yet a lot of hard work to sell cookies. At least they were affordable back in my day! I love supporting my local girl scouts, but I was shocked when I saw the prices this year! Almost six dollars for a box! Are they raising money to get every member a new iPhone this year or something! Outrageous! Call me cheap, but I'd rather make my own treats that taste exactly the same for a fraction of the price!

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup Kraft caramel bits (or about 18 square caramels, cut in half)
1 can (14 ounces) regular or fat-free sweetened condensed milk

Line a 9x13” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. The foil is optional, but helps aid in removing these from the pan.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Beat butter in a stand mixer until smooth.
Mix in flour, sugar, and salt. Beat until the mixture is crumbly. It’s done mixing when you can press it together between your fingers and it sticks together. (You can use a hand mixer but it will take a really long time to come together, FYI.)
Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove hot crust from the oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips, coconut, and caramels. 
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden around the edges.
Cool completely before cutting.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
​These can be frozen in a single layer in a resealable plastic bag or plastic container.