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M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

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These M&M Cookie Bars are a deliciously chewy and colorful treat packed with melty chocolate chips and vibrant M&M candies. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bars make a great dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix-ins

  • 1 ⅓ cups M&M candies (divided)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, allowing for an easy release later, and set it aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for incorporation later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth batter.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time and then pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Fold in Candy and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies and the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly through the dough.
  7. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and press it evenly to form a uniform layer. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup M&M candies evenly over the top for a colorful, crunchy finish.
  8. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-30 minutes. The top should turn golden, the edges should be lightly browned, and the center should be just set but not overbaked.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing them into 24 squares and serving to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.

Notes

  • For easy removal, use parchment paper with an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out of the pan.
  • Do not overbake; the bars should be slightly soft in the center to keep them chewy.
  • You can substitute M&Ms with your favorite candy-coated chocolates or add nuts for extra texture.
  • Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.