These M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, offering a chewy, buttery base that perfectly complements the vibrant, chocolatey M&Ms scattered throughout. With a texture that’s slightly crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, they’re the ultimate treat for cookie lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s, divided
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add M&M’s and Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in 1 cup of M&M’s and chocolate chips (if using) into the dough.
- Bake the Cookie Bars:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of M&M’s on top, gently pressing them into the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious M&M Cookie Bars!
