M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Are you craving a dessert that's quick, easy, and deliciously satisfying? Look no further! This M&M Cookie Bars recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with colorful M&M candies and bursting with flavor, these cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, school event, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe has got you covered. Read on to discover the step-by-step guide to making the best M&M cookie bars ever!

What Are M&M Cookie Bars?

M&M Cookie Bars are a fun and creative twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. Instead of individually scooping out cookie dough, the dough is pressed into a baking pan and baked as one big slab. Once it's out of the oven and cooled, you cut it into squares or bars. What makes these bars stand out is the addition of M&M candies, which add pops of color and bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite. The result? A chewy, soft, and decadent treat that's easy to make and even easier to devour.

Ingredients List for M&M Cookie Bars

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients. These are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, with the addition of M&M candies, of course!

Dry Ingredients:

1. 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1. ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
3. ½ cup granulated sugar
4. 2 large eggs, room temperature
5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix-ins:

1. 1 ½ cups M&Ms (regular or mini)
2. ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended for extra chocolate goodness)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this M&M Cookie Bars recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap out ingredients or add new ones based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Butter Substitutes: If you're looking to reduce the fat content, you can substitute butter with equal parts coconut oil or use a plant-based margarine for a vegan option. Just note that these swaps may slightly alter the taste and texture.
• Sugar Alternatives: For a lower-sugar version, try using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and a sugar substitute like Stevia for the granulated sugar. However, keep in mind that this may affect the overall sweetness and browning of the cookie bars.
• Flour Substitutions: To make the recipe gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• M&M Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of M&Ms. You can try peanut M&Ms for a crunchy texture, pretzel M&Ms for a sweet and salty twist, or even seasonal M&Ms to fit the theme of any holiday.
• Add-ins: Besides chocolate chips, you can also toss in nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried fruits to elevate the flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake your delicious M&M Cookie Bars? Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure you get the perfect cookie bars every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is ready when you are. While it's heating, grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. The parchment paper will make it easier to lift out the bars once they've cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookie bars tough rather than soft and chewy.

Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms

Gently fold in the M&Ms and, if you're using them, the chocolate chips. Ensure that the M&Ms are evenly distributed throughout the dough for colorful and chocolatey bites in every bar.

Step 6: Spread the Dough in the Pan

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan, ensuring that the thickness is uniform throughout.

Step 7: Bake the Cookie Bars

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 or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry bars.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

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

To make the best M&M Cookie Bars, you want to focus on key elements like proper ingredient mixing, baking time, and cooling. Here's a summary:

1. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately: This ensures even distribution of leaveners like baking soda.
2. Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing leads to tough bars.
3. Watch the Bake Time: Baking for the correct amount of time ensures the bars are chewy and soft without being overly dry.
4. Cool Completely Before Cutting: Cutting too soon can cause the bars to crumble.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a straightforward recipe like M&M Cookie Bars, there are a few pitfalls to avoid to ensure the best possible outcome.

• Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to dense, tough bars instead of the light, chewy texture you're aiming for.
• Overbaking: It's better to slightly underbake than to overbake, as cookie bars will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
• Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Patience is key! Let the bars cool completely to avoid them crumbling apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your M&M Cookie Bars are baked and cooled, it's time to think about how to serve and present them. A little creativity goes a long way!

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars

• Serve these cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, indulgent dessert.
• Pair them with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or tea for an afternoon treat.
• For special occasions, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a fancy touch.

Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars

• Party Tray: Arrange the bars on a colorful platter with a small bowl of extra M&Ms in the center for a festive touch.
• Stack 'Em Up: Create a cookie bar tower by stacking them on top of each other and securing with colorful toothpicks.
• Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like hearts, stars, or letters for a unique twist.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in better-textured cookie bars.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker, more bakery-style bars, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
• Press M&Ms on Top: For a more colorful presentation, press a few M&Ms on top of the dough before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze M&M Cookie Bars?

Yes! Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

2. How do I store leftover cookie bars?

Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What if I don’t have M&Ms?

No problem! You can substitute with other candies, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.

Conclusion

Making M&M Cookie Bars is not only easy but also a fun way to indulge in a sweet treat. With chewy centers, crisp edges, and colorful M&Ms in every bite, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is foolproof and highly customizable. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the ultimate cookie bar experience. Happy baking!

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