Description
Indulgent m&m cookie bars deliver a carnival of color and crunch in every delightful bite. Sweet chocolate chips and playful candy-coated m&ms create a nostalgic dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup M&M candies
Binding & Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Optional/Decorative Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup additional M&M candies (for topping)
- 1 tbsp sea salt (for optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
- Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in one cup of M&M candies, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle the additional M&M candies across the top of the dough, pressing them slightly to ensure they adhere.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set.
- Optional: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle sea salt over the top for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for approximately 1 hour before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier bars.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the dough.
- Swap out M&Ms for alternative mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize the recipe to personal preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg