Newfoundland Five Star Cookie Bars

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180 °C) (175°C (350 °F)) and prepare a 9x9 inch brownie pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it.

2. 2

   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted butter, one can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.

3. 3

   In a separate larger bowl, mix together 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 2 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut.

4. 4

   Pour the wet milk mixture into the dry coconut and graham cracker mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.

5. 5

   Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9x9 inch pan, pressing it down into an even layer.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

   Start 20-minute timer
7. 7

   While the bars are baking, chop up 3 Aero chocolate bars into small pieces.

8. 8

   Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped Aero bars evenly over the hot surface.

9. 9

   Let the pan sit for a few minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the chocolate. Once softened, use a spatula to smear the chocolate into a smooth layer.

10. 10

    Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt. Allow the bars to cool completely and the chocolate to set before slicing into squares.