Easy M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect treat when you want a quick and simple dessert that’s both colorful and delicious. With a chewy texture and a burst of chocolate from the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips, these bars are a hit for any occasion. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful bars.
INGREDIENTS
- Salted butter: ½ cup, softened, to create a rich and creamy base for the dough.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup for sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Light brown sugar: ½ cup, packed, to add moisture and flavor.
- Egg: 1 large, for binding the dough and adding richness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups, forming the structure of the bars.
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon to help the bars rise and become light.
- Baking powder: ¼ teaspoon for additional leavening.
- Fine sea salt: ½ teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- M&Ms: ½ cup, adding color and a crunchy texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: ¼ cup, for an extra burst of chocolate in every bite.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Gently fold in the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Step 5:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Step 6:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Easy M&M Cookie Bars at room temperature for the best texture. They make a perfect treat for parties, picnics, or an easy dessert at home.
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
- To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the bars and let them cool in the pan. They will firm up as they set.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other mix-ins like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels for a different flavor profile.
- For a festive touch, swap out regular M&Ms with holiday-themed ones to match the occasion.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Christina Tosi suggests using a combination of brown and white sugar to achieve a balanced sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Chef Duff Goldman recommends chilling the dough for 10 minutes before baking to prevent the bars from spreading too much in the oven.
- Chef Claire Saffitz advises using parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and cleaner cuts.