M&M Cookie Bars

Indulge your sweet tooth with these delicious M&M Cookie Bars! Packed with vibrant candy-coated chocolates and gooey chocolate chips, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a quick dessert, this recipe is your go-to for rich, buttery, and colorful treats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups M&Ms (choose any mix of colors)
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat the eggs slightly to break the yolks, then add them along with the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using an electric mixer. Fold in one cup of M&Ms and the chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the thick dough. Spread the cookie dough evenly across the prepared baking sheet, pressing it into the pan to ensure an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms over the top of the dough for a decorative touch. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly soft. Cool the bars on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes to ensure they firm up properly. Once cooled, cut into 36 even bars and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Serve the cookie bars slightly warm for an extra gooey texture. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
• Cut the bars into smaller portions for bite-sized treats at parties or events.
• Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a festive presentation.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cookie bars in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual cookie bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.

With these tips, you can keep your M&M Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

Variations

1. Peanut Butter Lovers: Swap ½ cup of the butter for creamy peanut butter and use peanut butter-flavored M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces for a nutty twist.

2. Holiday-Themed Bars: Use seasonal M&M colors (like red and green for Christmas or pastel for Easter) to customize the bars for any holiday.

3. Double Chocolate Delight: Replace ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey base.

4. Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.

5. Salted Caramel: Drizzle the top of the baked bars with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty combo.

6. Oatmeal M&M Bars: Replace 1 cup of flour with old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture.

7. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for the regular flour.

8. Candy Mix-In Swap: Replace M&Ms with other candies like chopped Snickers, Kit-Kats, or mini Reese’s cups for a fun variation.

9. White Chocolate Cranberry: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips and add dried cranberries for a fruity, tart twist.

10. S’mores Bars: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows to the dough for a campfire-inspired treat.

These variations offer endless ways to customize your M&M Cookie Bars to suit your taste or the occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by about 1/4 teaspoon to avoid making the bars too salty.

2. How can I make the cookie bars chewier?
For chewier cookie bars, slightly underbake them, so they’re still soft in the center. You can also add an extra egg yolk for added moisture.

3. Can I use other types of candy besides M&Ms?
Absolutely! You can substitute M&Ms with Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate bars, or even a mix of chopped candies like Snickers or Twix for a unique twist.

4. How do I prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will help prevent the cookie bars from sticking. Greasing the sheet can also work, but parchment paper is the most reliable option.

5. Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie bars. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, to make them gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be substituted 1:1.

7. How can I make these cookie bars thicker?
To make thicker bars, simply reduce the baking time by a few minutes, and use a slightly smaller baking sheet to keep the dough thicker.

8. How long should I cool the cookie bars before cutting them?
Let the cookie bars cool for at least 20 minutes on the baking sheet to ensure they set properly. Cutting them too soon could cause them to break apart.

9. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer. However, since the dough is thick, it may be easier to finish mixing by hand with a wooden or silicone spatula.

10. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for later use.

These M&M Cookie Bars are an easy and delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! With their chewy texture, colorful appearance, and irresistible flavor, they’re bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Try this recipe today and enjoy every gooey, chocolate-filled bite!

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