M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Are you in the mood for a sweet treat that’s as colorful as it is delicious? Look no further! M&M cookie bars combine the buttery richness of a classic cookie with the bright, crunchy sweetness of M&Ms, resulting in an irresistible dessert. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even as a treat-yourself moment, these cookie bars will soon become your go-to recipe. Read on for a complete guide to making these delightful bars at home, from start to finish.

Whether you're a baking newbie or an experienced pro, this easy recipe is packed with helpful tips, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions to ensure you achieve the perfect cookie bars every time. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some M&M magic!

this Recipe

What are M&M Cookie Bars?

M&M cookie bars are a delicious fusion of classic cookie dough and colorful M&Ms, baked into a thick, chewy bar form. They’re a creative twist on traditional cookies, offering the same mouthwatering flavor and texture but with a more convenient bar format. This means no scooping out individual cookies—just press the dough into a pan, bake, slice, and enjoy! These bars are perfect for people who love the ease of cookie bars but don’t want to sacrifice the flavor and fun of traditional M&M cookies.

Ingredients List for M&M Cookie Bars

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these delectable M&M cookie bars. Each ingredient plays an essential role, ensuring your bars are soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookie bars. Make sure to measure your flour correctly—too much can result in dry bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and gives them a light, chewy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For that rich, buttery flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the bars.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the bars get a slight crispiness on the edges.
• 2 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and give the bars structure.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a warm, aromatic touch.

Mix-ins:

• 1 ½ cups M&Ms: The star of the show! Use classic milk chocolate M&Ms or get creative with other varieties like peanut or crispy M&Ms.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): For extra chocolatey goodness.

Substitutions and Variations

Everyone loves a recipe that can be tailored to their personal tastes or dietary restrictions, and M&M cookie bars are no exception. Here are some fun and practical substitutions and variations:

• Butter substitutes: If you’re dairy-free, swap the butter for plant-based butter or coconut oil. Both options will still give you a rich, chewy texture.
• Sugar alternatives: For a lower-sugar version, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener. Just be mindful that it may slightly alter the flavor.
• Egg-free version: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg substitute for a vegan option.
• M&M varieties: Switch things up by using different types of M&Ms. Peanut, crispy, pretzel, or even seasonal varieties like mint M&Ms will bring unique flavors and textures.
• Add nuts: For an extra crunch, toss in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
• White chocolate or caramel chips: Try mixing these in for a sweeter, more indulgent twist!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create the perfect M&M cookie bars.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This helps ensure the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookie bars.

Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips using a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Press the Dough Into the Pan

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to evenly press the dough into the pan. If desired, press a few extra M&Ms on top for a colorful presentation.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles. This ensures clean, neat cuts and prevents the bars from falling apart.

How to Cook M&M Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quick recap:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish.
2. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the eggs and vanilla to fully incorporate.
4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
6. Press the dough into the pan and bake until golden brown.
7. Cool completely before slicing for the perfect cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes people make when baking cookie bars and how to avoid them:

• Overbaking: This is the most common mistake. Always keep an eye on your cookie bars, as baking them too long can make them dry. The bars should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your bars dry and crumbly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for an accurate measurement.
• Skipping the cooling process: It can be tempting to cut into the bars right away, but they need time to set after baking. Be patient and wait until they’ve cooled completely.

Serving and Presentation Tips

M&M cookie bars are not only tasty, but they can also look absolutely gorgeous when served the right way. Here are a few tips to make your dessert stand out.

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars

• Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.
• Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars for extra indulgence.
• Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate sweet snack.

Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars

• Arrange the cookie bars on a colorful platter, with extra M&Ms scattered around for decoration.
• Stack them in layers on a cake stand for a fun dessert centerpiece.
• Cut the bars into different shapes using cookie cutters, making them perfect for holidays or themed parties.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you perfect your M&M cookie bars:

• For thicker cookie bars, use a smaller pan (like an 8x8-inch dish) and bake a few minutes longer.
• If you want crispier edges, bake the cookie bars for a few extra minutes, but watch closely so they don’t overcook.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other candy instead of M&Ms?

Absolutely! You can replace the M&Ms with any other small candies like Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, or mini chocolate chips.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for a few days.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done?

The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a larger baking dish or in two separate pans.

Are M&M cookie bars freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Conclusion

M&M cookie bars are a fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery cookie base, colorful M&Ms, and the option to customize with your favorite mix-ins, they’re a surefire hit for kids and adults alike. By following this recipe, avoiding common mistakes, and using the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect batch of M&M cookie bars. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking these irresistible treats today!

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