M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the colorful sweetness of M&M candies. These bars offer a convenient way to enjoy the goodness of cookies without the hassle of individual shaping and baking. Perfect for gatherings, snacks, or indulgent desserts, M&M Cookie Bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus more for tops if desired)
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus more for tops if desired)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13″ pan with foil for thick bars or a 15×10″ pan for thinner bars. Leave an overhang for easy removal and spray with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for about 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, reserving about 1/4 cup for topping the bars.
- Scoop the cookie dough into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Add extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top for decoration.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is barely golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing into desired sizes.
- Store the M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Tips:
- For thicker bars, use a 9×13″ pan; for thinner bars, use a 15×10″ pan.
- Room temperature butter ensures better incorporation with other ingredients.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough bars.
- Adding extra chocolate chips and M&M’s on top enhances both the appearance and taste of the bars.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these M&M Cookie Bars offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies in bar form. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or indulging in a sweet dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
- Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted Butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but you may want to adjust the amount of salt added accordingly. Since salted butter already contains salt, you may consider reducing the amount of additional salt added to the recipe by half. This adjustment helps maintain the balance of flavors in the cookie bars, ensuring they’re not overly salty. - Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
While you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe, it will alter the texture and flavor of the cookie bars. Whole wheat flour tends to absorb more moisture and has a coarser texture compared to all-purpose flour. As a result, the bars may turn out denser and less tender. If you prefer a heartier texture and don’t mind the change in flavor, feel free to use whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. - How Do I Know When the Cookie Bars are Done Baking?
The cookie bars are ready when the top is barely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they may become dry and hard. It’s better to slightly underbake them than to overdo it. Keep in mind that the bars will continue to set as they cool, so they may appear slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. - Can I Freeze M&M Cookie Bars for Later?
Yes, you can freeze M&M Cookie Bars for later enjoyment. Once the bars have cooled completely, cut them into individual servings or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and label them with the date. Frozen cookie bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave them for a few seconds until warmed through.