Description
These M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, packed with colorful M&M’s and mini chocolate chips baked into a buttery, chewy bar. Perfect for parties, snacks, or whenever you crave a sweet treat, they are easy to make and shareable with 18 servings per batch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup golden brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cookie bars.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal of bars. Spray foil generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and golden brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time and add vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in 1 1/2 cups of M&M’s and 1 cup of mini chocolate chips, reserving some of both to sprinkle on top later.
- Transfer Dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently for an even surface.
- Add Toppings: Press the reserved M&M’s and mini chocolate chips into the top of the cookie dough for a colorful, appealing finish.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bars are a light golden brown on top and just set in the center, avoiding overbaking to keep them chewy.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan to set before using the foil overhang to lift them out and cut into 18 servings.
Notes
- Room temperature butter helps in creating a fluffy texture when creamed with sugars.
- Do not overbake to maintain the chewiness of the cookie bars.
- Foil lining and spraying the pan ensures easy removal and cleanup.
- Feel free to swap M&M’s and mini chocolate chips for other mix-ins like nuts or different candies if desired.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
