M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, offering a convenient and scrumptious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional chocolate chip cookies with the added fun of colorful M&M candies. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a homemade treat, these bars are sure to delight your taste buds.
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, leaving an overhang for easy removal. 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 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. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and M&M’s on top of the dough.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is barely golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then remove and slice into desired portions.
- Store the M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Tips:
- For a gooey texture, slightly underbake the bars and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- You can customize these bars by adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips to suit your preferences.
- Experiment with using different colored M&M’s to make the bars more festive for holidays or special occasions.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade M&M Cookie Bars with this simple and satisfying recipe. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect blend of chocolate chips, M&M’s, and buttery goodness in every bite. Make a batch today and watch them disappear in no time!
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. However, using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe more precisely. If you use salted butter, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid over-salting the cookie bars.
2. Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe?
- While you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, it will alter the texture and flavor of the cookie bars. Whole wheat flour tends to absorb more moisture and produce a denser texture. If you prefer a heartier texture and don’t mind a slightly nuttier flavor, you can use whole wheat flour. However, the result may be different from using all-purpose flour.
3. How can I tell when the M&M Cookie Bars are done baking?
- The top of the cookie bars should be barely golden brown when they are done baking. You can also perform the toothpick test by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter, the bars are ready. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. Can I freeze M&M Cookie Bars for later consumption?
- Yes, you can freeze M&M Cookie Bars for later enjoyment. Once the bars have cooled completely, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, allow the bars to thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
5. Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or chunks to customize the flavor of your M&M Cookie Bars. White chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even butterscotch chips can be used alone or in combination with traditional chocolate chips for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly if needed.
6. Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds, as well as dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor. Fold them in along with the chocolate chips and M&M’s before scooping the dough into the pan. Be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have when adding nuts or dried fruits to the recipe.
7. How do I prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the pan?
- To prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the pan, it’s essential to line the baking pan with foil and spray it with non-stick spray before adding the cookie dough. The foil lining makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re baked and cooled, while the non-stick spray ensures they release easily without sticking to the foil.
8. Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make gluten-free M&M Cookie Bars by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will contain a combination of gluten-free flours and starches that mimic the texture of wheat flour. Additionally, ensure that your chocolate chips and M&M’s are also gluten-free, as some varieties may contain gluten-containing additives.