Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly beat the eggs and mix them in, along with the vanilla extract, until thoroughly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining until no streaks remain. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the bars tough.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&Ms until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it reaches the corners. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top for a colorful finish.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting into 36 squares.
Best ways to enjoy it
To serve your M&M Cookie Bars, consider plating them on a colorful platter for a festive touch. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve them with a side of whipped cream and fresh berries for a delightful contrast.
How to store
To keep your M&M Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to preserve them longer, they freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, and they will taste as delicious as the day they were baked.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best texture, be sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This step is crucial for incorporating air into your mixture, resulting in soft, chewy bars. If you find yourself short on time, you can also use a hand mixer to speed up the creaming process. For a fun twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit for additional flavor and texture.
Creative twists
Feel free to customize this M&M Cookie Bars recipe to your liking! You can swap in peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor or use seasonal-themed M&Ms for holidays. For a healthier version, replace half the flour with whole wheat flour or incorporate oats for added fiber. Additionally, consider drizzling a little white chocolate on top once the bars are cooled for even more decadence.
Common questions
What is the prep time for M&M Cookie Bars?
The prep time is around 15-20 minutes, with a baking time of about 20-22 minutes.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate to suit your preference.
How should I store the bars?
Store your M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious batch of M&M Cookie Bars that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy!
