Why Make This Recipe
Extra Soft & Chewy M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the chewy texture of classic cookies with the fun, colorful bursts of M&M candies. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. These bars are great for parties, school lunches, or just a sweet snack at home. The combination of brown sugar and butter gives them a rich flavor while keeping them soft and chewy. Plus, who can resist the charm of M&M candies in every bite?
How to Make Extra Soft & Chewy M&M Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M candies
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the M&M candies.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy your chewy M&M cookie bars!
How to Serve Extra Soft & Chewy M&M Cookie Bars
These cookie bars are best served at room temperature. You can cut them into squares or rectangles and place them on a serving platter. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet snack after dinner. You can also pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
How to Store Extra Soft & Chewy M&M Cookie Bars
To store these cookie bars, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips to Make Extra Soft & Chewy M&M Cookie Bars
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- You can customize these bars by adding nuts or chocolate chips along with the M&M candies.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation
For a fun variation, try using peanut butter M&M candies instead of the classic ones. You can also experiment with different flavors of M&Ms based on the season, like pumpkin spice or seasonal colors for holidays!
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
2. How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
Check for light golden brown edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make these cookie bars without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water for an egg-free version.
Extra Soft & Chewy M&M Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the M&M candies.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.