M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
These M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, combining a chewy texture with colorful candy and chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1⅓ cup M&M candies (divided)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and set it aside to make removal easier after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture a little at a time, mixing just until all flour is moistened and the dough is uniform.
- Fold in Candy and Chocolate: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and all the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough by hand to evenly distribute.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M candies on top to decorate.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 30 minutes. The bars are done when the top is golden, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just barely set.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy batter.
- You can substitute M&M candies with other chocolate candies or even Reese’s Pieces for variation.
- If you prefer softer bars, reduce the baking time slightly and watch carefully.
- Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
Keywords: M&M cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, easy cookie bars, colorful cookie bars, dessert bars