Are you searching for a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the colorful crunch of M&Ms? Look no further! This recipe for Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is just what you need. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply a sweet snack at home, these cookie bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. The joy of pulling these warm bars from the oven will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a versatile dessert option. Let’s dive into the reasons why you’ll absolutely love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to your cookie bars; always sifted before measuring for best results.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and gives them a soft texture; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of all other ingredients; use fine salt for even distribution.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for better mixing; it adds richness to your cookie bars.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and contributes to their chewy texture; make sure it’s well combined with butter.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor; light brown sugar works best in this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: A must-have ingredient that brings out the sweetness in your cookie bars; choose pure vanilla extract if possible.
- Eggs: Binds everything together while adding moisture; use large eggs at room temperature for best mixing.
- M&M’s Candies: These colorful candies add a fun touch and extra sweetness; feel free to mix in different flavors!
- Chocolate Chips: Adds an extra layer of chocolate flavor; semi-sweet chips are highly recommended.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan (approximately 9×13 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about two minutes using an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined after each addition.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in Add-Ins
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly before placing it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately **20-25 minutes** or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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- Sifting Flour: Always sift flour before measuring to prevent clumps from forming in your batter.
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- Add Extra Color: For more vibrant cookie bars, consider using seasonal or themed M&Ms.
- Cooling Time: Be patient! Allowing them to cool completely helps them set properly.
How to Serve Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
This Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Coffee or Tea: The sweetness of the cookie bars complements the bitterness of coffee or tea, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delicious contrast of warm and cold textures.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits add a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cookie bars, enhancing the overall experience.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance. Mix all ingredients, shape them into bars, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This ensures you have fresh cookies ready in no time.
- Storing: After baking, allow the cookie bars to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookie bars again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, keeping their chewy texture intact.
FAQs for Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
What are Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the chewy texture of cookie bars with the vibrant colors and sweetness of M&M candies. These bars are simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients, and they bake in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for parties or as an after-school treat, they provide a delicious twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies. With just a few steps, you can create these colorful bars that everyone will love. The combination of chocolate chips and M&Ms adds flavor and fun, making them an instant hit among kids and adults alike.
How do you store Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
To keep your Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh, first allow them to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. You can store these delicious treats at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is an option too. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw them at room temperature.
Can I customize my Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! One of the best aspects of Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can easily customize the recipe by adding different mix-ins based on your preferences. For instance, try substituting some of the chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture. You could also experiment with flavored chips like peanut butter or white chocolate instead of regular chocolate chips. Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of M&Ms according to your taste—more candy means more color and sweetness!
What type of pan should I use for baking Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
For the best results when baking Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, use a 9×13-inch baking pan. This size ensures that the bars bake evenly and have the right thickness for that perfect chewy texture. Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper before pouring in the batter; this makes it easier to lift out the bars once they’re baked and cooled. If you prefer thicker bars, you could use an 8×8-inch square pan but be aware that you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
Are Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars suitable for special diets?
If you are looking to cater to specific dietary needs while making Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, there are options available! To make them gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free flour blend. For those who need dairy-free options, choose dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your butter substitute is dairy-free as well. Vegan versions can be made by using flax eggs instead of regular eggs and replacing butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
How long does it take to make Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Making Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is quick and straightforward! The entire process typically takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. Preparation time is about 10-15 minutes—mixing together your ingredients and pouring the batter into the pan is quick work! Baking usually takes between 20-25 minutes depending on your oven settings and desired doneness level. Overall, these cookie bars are one of those hassle-free recipes that deliver delicious results without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Conclusion :
In summary, Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars offer a fun and simple way to enjoy a classic dessert with a colorful twist. They require minimal ingredients and are easy to prepare in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a treat for kids or something sweet for gatherings, these cookie bars will surely delight everyone who tries them. Remember that customization is key; feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or adjust ingredients based on dietary needs. With proper storage techniques outlined above, your cookie bars will stay fresh for days! So why not whip up a batch today? Enjoy satisfying cravings with this deliciously easy recipe!
Print
Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Easy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the beloved flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with colorful M&M candies. These bars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy bakers. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a delightful dessert that’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Whether for a festive gathering or a simple afternoon snack, these cookie bars will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!
Ingredients
– All-Purpose Flour
– Baking Soda
– Salt
– Unsalted Butter
– Granulated Sugar
– Brown Sugar
– Vanilla Extract
– Eggs
– M&M’s Candies
– Chocolate Chips
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips, then transfer batter to the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
– For added texture, consider mixing in nuts or dried fruits.
– Customize the M&Ms based on holidays or themes for extra fun!
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g