why make this recipe
M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They combine the classic flavor of cookies with the convenience of a bar, making them easier to bake, cut, and serve. The vibrant M&M candies add a pop of color and sweetness that makes them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
These cookie bars are an ideal choice for parties, picnics, or just as an after-school snack. Fewer dishes and simple prep make this recipe a winning option for busy bakers.
equipment needed for M&M Cookie Bars
To make M&M Cookie Bars, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment. Having the right tools can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (one medium and one large)
- Electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
What You Need to Make M&M Cookie Bars
To create these delicious M&M Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour (use bread flour for chewier cookies)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened to room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup M&M’s (plus more for optional topping)
¾ cup white chocolate chips (plus more for optional topping)
⅓ cup sprinkles (plus more for optional topping)
How to Cook M&M Cookie Bars Step by Step
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line your 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the dish and make for easier cutting later on.
Next, in a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until fully mixed. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture, providing a uniform texture to your cookie bars.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed until the blend is fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial as it introduces air into the mix, which helps the bars rise and remain soft.
Once the mixture is fluffy, add in the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract. Blend these at medium speed until they are just combined. Remember not to overblend as this can cause the bars to become tough.
Now it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix on medium speed until the flour is barely combined, being careful to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Over-mixing can lead to dense cookie bars, so keep it gentle.
After mixing, gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles using your rubber spatula. This will help ensure even distribution of the colorful candies throughout the batter.
Pour the cookie dough mixture into the parchment-lined baking dish. Carefully press it down into an even layer. Be sure not to press too hard, as this will make the bars denser once baked.
If you like, you can add more M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles to the top for an attractive finish. This step adds extra color and fun, especially if you’re serving them to a crowd.
Now, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; the top should be golden brown. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry cookie bars, which nobody wants.
When the bars are done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit on a cooling rack for about 20-30 minutes. This cooling period is important as the bars will continue to cook a little while in the hot pan. After they have cooled, you can cut them into squares or rectangles.
how to make M&M Cookie Bars
Making M&M Cookie Bars is straightforward, making them a great choice for bakers of any skill level. First, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Preparation is key!
Start by measuring your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, and whisk them together in a medium bowl. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the eggs and vanilla.
After that, combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients while being careful not to over-mix. Gently fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips before pouring the mixture into the prepared baking dish and pressing it down evenly. Top with additional candies if desired and bake until golden brown.
Allow the cookie bars to cool before cutting them, and then enjoy your delicious treat!
how to serve M&M Cookie Bars
M&M Cookie Bars can be served in various ways. For a classic approach, simply cut them into squares or rectangles and place them on a platter. They are fun and colorful, making them perfect for a party or gathering.
If you want a fun twist, you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm bars will melt the ice cream slightly, creating a deliciously gooey dessert everyone will love.
You could also package them in cute boxes to give as gifts or treats for friends. Adding a small note expressing the joy of baking and sharing can enhance the personal touch.
what to serve with M&M Cookie Bars
M&M Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and snacks. For a comforting option, serve them with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of cold milk. The milk will enhance the cookie’s flavors and provide a rich contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider offering a variety of desserts alongside the cookie bars. Things like brownies, cupcakes, and fruit-based desserts can create a balanced dessert table.
For a fun twist, serve the bars with fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the sugary richness of the cookie bars and adds a refreshing note.
how to store M&M Cookie Bars
Storing your M&M Cookie Bars properly will ensure they remain fresh and delicious. After cutting the bars, place them in an airtight container to keep them moist. If you have leftovers, they can typically last for 3-5 days at room temperature.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To do this, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
tips to make M&M Cookie Bars
Getting the perfect M&M Cookie Bars can be achieved with some helpful tips. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the butter into small pieces and let it sit out for about 30 minutes.
Also, don’t skip weighing your flour. Using too much flour can lead to dry bars, while too little can make them too gooey. If a scale isn’t available, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Lastly, when it comes to incorporating mix-ins like M&Ms and chocolate chips, be gentle. Stirring too hard can break the candies and make a colorful mess.
variation
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are several variations you can try with this recipe. For instance, you can swap the M&M’s for other candies like Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or even dried fruit for a healthier twist.
Additionally, you can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for some crunch and texture. Another fun variation is to use flavored chips like peanut butter or caramel to add a unique twist.
best time to make M&M Cookie Bars
M&M Cookie Bars are great to make anytime, but they are particularly popular during the holiday season. Their festive colors make them perfect for Christmas parties or gatherings.
Additionally, these bars are ideal for school events, bake sales, or birthday parties. Their easy-to-cut format allows for serving many guests quickly.
Whenever you feel the need to whip up something sweet, these cookie bars are a fantastic choice!
common mistakes to avoid
While making M&M Cookie Bars is simple, there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of. One of the biggest errors is over-mixing once the flour is added. Just mix until combined; it’s okay if there are a few small floury bits.
Another mistake is baking them too long. It’s better to err on the side of underbaking as they will continue to cook once out of the oven.
Finally, if using cold butter or eggs, it can result in a less airy cookie bar. Be sure to use room-temperature ingredients for the best results.
nutritional notes
While these cookie bars are a delicious treat, it’s good to keep in mind their nutritional content. Typically, a serving can contain high amounts of sugar and fat. Moderation is key!
To make them a bit healthier, consider using whole grain flour or reducing the amount of sugar slightly. You can also incorporate healthier mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruit, for additional nutrients.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze M&M Cookie Bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I use instead of M&M’s?
A: You can substitute with chocolate chunks, dried fruit, or other candies like Reese’s Pieces.
Q: How do I know when they are done baking?
A: They should be golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
conclusion
In conclusion, M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful and versatile treat that everyone can enjoy. The combination of chewy cookie texture with colorful M&M’s is sure to bring smiles.
Their straightforward preparation makes them perfect for both new and experienced bakers. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dessert that is both visually appealing and delicious. Enjoy experimenting with variations or sharing them with friends at your next gathering!
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Use bread flour for chewier cookies
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup M&M's plus more for optional topping
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips plus more for optional topping
- ⅓ cup sprinkles plus more for optional topping
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mixing
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light in color, about 2-3 minutes.
Add in the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract, blending until just combined.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until barely combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
Baking
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down into an even layer. Optionally, add more M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles on top.
Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown on top. Avoid overbaking.
Let the baking dish sit on a cooling rack for 20-30 minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting for the best texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days or freeze for longer storage.
