Description
These Cookie Bars combine the delicious flavors of sugar and chocolate chip cookies with Easter M&M’s for a festive, chewy treat. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these bars have a soft center with lightly golden edges, making them an ideal dessert for parties or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 bag (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix
- 1 bag (17.5 oz) chocolate chip cookie mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
Add-ins
- 1 cup Easter M&M’s, divided (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, ensuring the parchment has some overhang for easy removal of the bars.
- Combine Dry Mixes: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar cookie mix and the chocolate chip cookie mix until thoroughly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Add the two large eggs and softened butter to the combined dry mixes. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until a smooth cookie dough forms.
- Incorporate M&M’s: Stir in 3/4 cup of Easter M&M’s gently into the dough to distribute evenly.
- Spread Dough and Add Topping: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Easter M&M’s on top to create a colorful garnish.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes until the edges are set and golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with crumbs but no wet batter. The center should appear pale and slightly underbaked to keep the chewy texture. If edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely (about 1-2 hours) before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and cutting into 20 squares.
Notes
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes removing and cutting bars easier and cleaner.
- Do not overbake; the bars should be slightly pale in the center to remain chewy.
- Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to ensure clean squares and better texture.
- Butter should be softened but not melted for optimal mixing.
- You can substitute the Easter M&M’s with any chocolate candy of your choice.
