M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Who doesn't love a delicious, chewy, and colorful M&M cookie bar? These decadent treats are the perfect blend of chewy cookie dough and crunchy, chocolate-filled M&Ms, making them an instant hit for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, a holiday celebration, or just because you crave something sweet, M&M cookie bars are the way to go. Stick with me, and I'll guide you step-by-step through this easy recipe that will leave everyone asking for more. Ready to bake some amazing cookie bars? Let’s dive into the recipe!

this Recipe

What are M&M Cookie Bars?

M&M cookie bars are thick, chewy, dessert bars filled with everyone's favorite colorful candy-coated chocolates: M&Ms! They combine the classic flavor of chocolate chip cookies with the fun texture and vibrant colors of M&Ms, all packed into a dense, bar form that's perfect for cutting into squares and sharing. Picture this: a soft, buttery cookie base loaded with gooey chocolate chips and crisp M&Ms, baked to golden perfection. The result is a dessert that’s chewy on the inside, slightly crispy on the edges, and bursting with flavor. They’re not just a treat—they’re an experience!

Ingredients List for M&M Cookie Bars

Before diving into the baking process, it’s crucial to gather all your ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring your cookie bars come out perfectly chewy, sweet, and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough. Make sure to sift it for a smooth dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps your cookie bars rise and achieve that perfect texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the key to that rich, buttery flavor. Softened butter blends more easily into the dough.
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar helps achieve a chewy texture and adds a hint of molasses-like flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookie bars brown beautifully.
• 2 large eggs: The eggs act as a binder and add moisture, giving your cookie bars structure.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor.

Mix-Ins:

• 1 ½ cups M&Ms: The star of the show! Use regular or peanut M&Ms for a little variety.
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For an extra chocolatey experience.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? No problem! This M&M cookie bar recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your M&Ms are also gluten-free (most varieties are, but it’s best to check the label).
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter (like vegan margarine) and substitute the chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate.
• Sugar Substitutes: Try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar to reduce the overall sugar content.
• Add Nuts: For added crunch, stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
• Different M&M Flavors: Experiment with peanut butter M&Ms, caramel M&Ms, or even pretzel M&Ms for a twist on the classic version.
• Mix in Candy Bars: Chop up your favorite candy bars (like Snickers or Twix) and fold them into the dough along with the M&Ms.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start baking? Let’s go through the process step-by-step to make sure your M&M cookie bars come out perfectly every time. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll have a batch of delicious, gooey cookie bars in no time!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

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

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugar ensures your bars will have a soft, chewy texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Spread the Dough in the Pan

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula to smooth out the top.

Step 8: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake—the bars should be soft and slightly underdone in the center for that chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!

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

To ensure success every time you bake these cookie bars, follow these essential tips:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smooth, even dough.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make your bars dense and tough.
3. Watch the Baking Time: Cookie bars continue to cook as they cool, so take them out of the oven when the edges are golden and the center is slightly underbaked. This will give you a soft, chewy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like M&M cookie bars can go wrong if you're not careful. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overbaking: This is the most common issue. Overbaking will make your bars hard and dry. Keep an eye on them and take them out when the edges are just golden.
• Using Cold Butter: Cold butter won't cream properly with the sugar, which can result in dense, heavy cookie bars. Make sure your butter is softened before you start.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour can make your cookie bars cakey. To avoid this, fluff the flour in its container, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These M&M cookie bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their bright pops of color. Here are some fun ideas for serving and presenting them:

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars:

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With Coffee or Milk: Enjoy these bars with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a simple but satisfying snack.
• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other baked goods, like brownies or blondies, for a dessert spread at parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars:

• Drizzle with Chocolate: For extra decadence, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
• Festive Touch: If you're baking these for a special occasion, use seasonal M&Ms (like red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter) to add a festive touch.
• Stacked Squares: Stack the cookie bars in a pyramid on a cake stand for an eye-catching display at parties.

M&M Cookie Bar Recipe Tips

• Double the Recipe: If you're baking for a large crowd, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheat for Chewy Goodness: If your bars start to get a little dry, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other candies besides M&Ms?

Yes! You can substitute M&Ms with any other candy, such as Reese's Pieces or chopped chocolate bars.

How can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

How do I store leftover cookie bars?

Store your M&M cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator before pressing it into the pan and baking.

Conclusion

M&M cookie bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. With their chewy texture, rich buttery flavor, and bursts of colorful M&Ms, these cookie bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're making them for a party or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures sweet success every time. Don’t forget to customize with your favorite variations and enjoy these delightful bars with friends and family! Happy baking!

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