The Ultimate M&M Cookie Bar Recipe

Why This M&M Cookie Bar Recipe is a Must-Try

This isn’t just any m&m cookie bar recipe; it’s the ultimate one. We’ve perfected the balance of buttery, chewy dough and the delightful crunch of M&Ms. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Want to add a swirl of peanut butter? Go for it! Feeling festive? Swap the regular M&Ms for holiday-themed ones. This recipe is a blank canvas for your cookie creativity. Forget those dry, crumbly cookie bars you’ve tried before; this recipe guarantees a soft, gooey center every single time.

Ingredients for the Perfect M&M Cookie Bar

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie bar bliss. Luckily, this m&m cookie bar recipe calls for pantry staples you likely already have. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups M&Ms (any variety)

Step-by-Step Instructions for M&M Cookie Bars

Now for the fun part – baking! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect m&m cookie bars:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cookie bars won’t stick and will bake evenly.
2. Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the base for a perfectly textured cookie bar.
3. Beat in Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Remember, vanilla is key for that classic cookie flavor.
4. Combine 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. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
5. Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold in the M&Ms, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This is where the magic happens!
6. Bake to Perfection: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

M&M Cookie Bar Ingredients

Tips and Tricks for the Best M&M Cookie Bars

Want to take your m&m cookie bar recipe to the next level? Here are a few insider tips:

• Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Add-ins: Get creative with your add-ins! Peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, or even pretzels can add a delicious twist.
• Storage: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations on the Classic M&M Cookie Bar Recipe

This m&m cookie bar recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to experiment! Here are a few ideas:

• Peanut Butter M&M Cookie Bars: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter before baking.
• Holiday M&M Cookie Bars: Use holiday-themed M&Ms for a festive treat.
• Brownie M&M Cookie Bars: Add a layer of brownie batter to the bottom of the pan before adding the cookie dough.

Mixing M&M Cookie Bar Batter

Troubleshooting Your M&M Cookie Bars

Even seasoned bakers encounter challenges sometimes. Here are a few common problems and solutions:

• Too Dry: Make sure you don’t overbake the bars. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark.
• Too Crumbly: Ensure your butter is softened properly before creaming it with the sugars.
• Too Flat: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the bars from spreading too thin.

Why You’ll Love This M&M Cookie Bar Recipe

This m&m cookie bar recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s easy, delicious, and customizable. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookie bars are guaranteed to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake the best M&M cookie bars you’ve ever tasted!

Freshly Baked M&M Cookie Bars

FAQs About M&M Cookie Bars

• Can I freeze these cookie bars? Yes, you can freeze baked or unbaked cookie bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Can I use different types of M&Ms? Absolutely! Feel free to use any variety of M&Ms, including peanut, pretzel, or even seasonal M&Ms.
• How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan? Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray before adding the dough.

Single Serve M&M Cookie Bar

This m&m cookie bar recipe is your secret weapon for creating a delicious and impressive treat with minimal effort. So go ahead, bake a batch and share the joy! Let us know in the comments below how your M&M cookie bars turned out!