Description
Irresistible M&M cookie bars combine childhood nostalgia with sweet chocolate magic. Colorful candy pieces scattered through buttery dough create a playful dessert that delights you with each chewy, indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 bag M&M candies
leavening and flavor enhancers:
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Cream together softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie bars.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform texture.
- Blend vanilla extract into the wet ingredients, infusing the batter with rich aromatic flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.
- If the dough seems too stiff, cautiously add milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an even layer across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle M&M candies and chocolate chips over the batter, pressing them gently into the surface to ensure they adhere during baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with minimal crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.
- Slice into desired bar sizes and serve at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Soft Texture Secret: Add an extra tablespoon of softened butter or a splash of milk to keep the bars incredibly moist and tender.
- Color Pop Technique: Reserve a handful of M&Ms to press into the top of the batter just before baking for a vibrant, picture-perfect appearance.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful treats.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks, creating an instant dessert solution for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg