M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Looking for a fun and delicious treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect indulgence, combining soft and chewy cookie goodness with the crunch and color of M&M candies. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, a party, or simply want to enjoy a delightful homemade snack, this recipe has everything you need! Follow this detailed guide and discover how to make mouthwatering M&M Cookie Bars that will have everyone reaching for more. Let's dive in and learn how to bake this irresistible dessert!

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What Are M&M Cookie Bars?

M&M Cookie Bars are essentially cookie dough baked in a pan and cut into bar shapes, featuring the vibrant and crunchy addition of M&M candies. They have the same delicious flavor and texture as classic chocolate chip cookies but with the added burst of color and sweetness from M&Ms. These bars are easier to prepare and bake compared to individual cookies, making them a quick and convenient option when you're short on time but still want something homemade and special.

Ingredients List for M&M Cookie Bars

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of these scrumptious M&M Cookie Bars:

1. Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted and softened
2. Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar
3. Brown sugar: 1 cup packed light brown sugar
4. Eggs: 2 large eggs
5. Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
6. All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups
7. Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
8. Salt: ½ teaspoon
9. M&Ms: 1 ½ cups (you can use regular or mini M&Ms)
10. Chocolate chips (optional): 1 cup (for extra chocolatey goodness)

Additional Ingredients You Can Add:

• Chopped nuts: ½ cup (optional, such as walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist)
• Peanut butter chips: ½ cup (if you want to add another layer of flavor)
• Oats: ½ cup (to add a bit more texture and a heartier taste)

Substitutions and Variations

M&M Cookie Bars are versatile, and you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Butter Substitution: Swap butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
• Flour Alternatives: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.
• Sugar Alternatives: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic version.
• Add-ins: Mix in chopped pretzels, crushed Oreos, or caramel bits for extra flavor and texture.
• M&M Types: Try using peanut M&Ms, crispy M&Ms, or any seasonal varieties (like pastel colors for Easter or red and green for Christmas).

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The batter should look creamy and smooth at this stage.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and chewy.

5. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if you're adding them). Be sure to distribute the candies evenly throughout the dough.

6. Spread the Dough in the Pan

Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few more M&Ms on top of the dough before baking to make the bars look more colorful and festive.

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 in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares or rectangles.

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

If you want to ensure your M&M Cookie Bars come out perfectly every time, follow these step-by-step instructions carefully:

1. Gather Ingredients: Measure out all the ingredients in advance to make the process smoother and faster.
2. Prep the Pan: Properly grease or line the baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: This step is crucial for creating a soft and tender cookie bar, so be sure to beat the butter and sugars until they’re light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients Slowly: Adding the dry ingredients gradually helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough cookie bars.
5. Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking. You want them to be golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center for a chewy texture.
6. Allow to Cool Completely: Cutting into warm cookie bars can cause them to fall apart. Let them cool thoroughly for clean, sharp edges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Overbaking can result in dry and crumbly cookie bars. Check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid this.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to dense bars. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
• Uneven Distribution of M&Ms: Be sure to fold in the M&Ms evenly so that every bite has a burst of color and crunch.
• Cutting Too Soon: Cutting the bars before they’ve cooled can cause them to crumble. Patience is key!

Serving and Presentation Tips

M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert on their own, but you can elevate them further with a few simple serving suggestions:

• Serve Warm with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm M&M cookie bar is a match made in heaven.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: If you want a more elegant presentation, lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars

These cookie bars can be served at room temperature or slightly warm. They make a great addition to lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even a dessert tray for a special occasion. If you’re serving them at a party, arrange them on a colorful platter for a festive touch.

Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars

• Holiday-Themed Platters: Use seasonal M&Ms to match the occasion (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter) and serve them on a holiday-themed platter.
• Mason Jar Gift: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and stack them in a mason jar tied with a ribbon for a creative, homemade gift.
• Layered Dessert Tray: For larger gatherings, place the bars on a tiered dessert tray alongside other cookies and treats for a visually appealing dessert display.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• For Extra Chewiness: Use a mix of brown and white sugar as the brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the bars.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
• Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze them for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use peanut butter M&Ms?
A: Yes! Peanut butter M&Ms add a delicious nutty flavor to the bars. Just keep in mind that they are slightly larger, which may impact the texture.

Q: Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, and your cookie bars will be just as tasty.

Q: How can I tell when the bars are done?
A: The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Q: Can I freeze M&M Cookie Bars?
A: Yes, these bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

Q: What’s the best way to cut cookie bars?
A: Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife to cut clean squares. Wiping the knife between cuts can also help achieve neat edges.

Conclusion

M&M Cookie Bars are a fun, delicious, and visually appealing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this easy recipe is sure to impress. With the right ingredients, a little creativity, and the helpful tips provided in this guide, you'll be well on your way to making the best M&M Cookie Bars ever. So grab your ingredients and get baking — you won’t be disappointed!

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