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M&M Cookie Bars

M&M Cookie Bars
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These M&M Cookie Bars are a colorful, chewy, and irresistibly sweet treat that combine the classic chocolate chip cookie flavor with vibrant M&M candies. Perfectly balancing a soft center with slightly crispy edges, they are quick and easy to bake, making them perfect for busy bakers, kids, families, and any occasion where a cheerful, delicious dessert is welcome.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sugars

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Add-ins

  • 1 ½ cups M&M’s (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Measure out all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
  2. Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step results in a tender texture and helps the bars rise properly.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract to add warmth and depth of flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and flavor enhancers.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid tough bars from overmixing.
  6. Fold in M&M’s: Gently fold in the M&M candies, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top for a colorful and appealing presentation.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, sprinkle the reserved M&M’s on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment paper and cutting into squares, which helps them set and keeps the ideal texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a smoother batter.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep bars tender and chewy rather than tough.
  • Using parchment paper simplifies clean-up and prevents sticking.
  • Customize by swapping M&M colors or types to suit holidays or preferences.
  • Watch baking time carefully; slightly underbaking results in extra chewy centers.

Nutrition

Keywords: M&M cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, colorful cookie bars, quick dessert, kid-friendly treats, easy baking

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/mm-cookie-bars/