How to Make M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at Home

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Looking for a tasty twist on regular cookies? Chocolate chip cookie bars with M&Ms are a great choice. They offer a new texture and a delightful change from drop cookies.

Making these bars is super easy. They need little prep and no scooping of cookies. Adding M&Ms to the classic recipe brings fun color and flavor. This recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress everyone.

Key Takeaways

Easy to make with minimal preparation
Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert
Adds a fun twist to traditional cookies
Great for sharing with friends and family
Combines the classic chocolate chip cookie with M&Ms

Looking for a treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat? M&M cookie bars are perfect. They mix convenience with flavor, making them great for any occasion.

The Convenience of Bar Cookies vs. Drop Cookies

Bar cookies are easier to make and serve than drop cookies. They can be baked in one pan, unlike drop cookies that need to be scooped and baked in batches. This makes bar cookies great for large gatherings or events where you need to serve many people.

Easy to prepare in large quantities
Simplified serving process
Less cleanup compared to multiple batches of drop cookies

The Irresistible Combination of Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

The mix of chocolate chips and M&Ms in these cookie bars is truly irresistible. The chocolate chips melt, adding a gooey texture. The M&Ms burst with color and crunch, revealing a chocolate center. This combination makes the cookie bars hard to resist.

The secret to great M&M cookie bars is in the ingredients. Each part plays a key role in making them perfect.

Dry Ingredients You’ll Need

The dry ingredients are the base of your cookie bars. You’ll need all-purpose flour for structure, baking soda for leavening, and salt for flavor balance. High-quality ingredients ensure the right texture and taste.

Wet Ingredients for Chewy Texture

The wet ingredients make your cookie bars chewy. Unsalted butter adds richness, and granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness and moisture. Eggs help hold everything together, and vanilla extract boosts the flavor. The right mix of these ingredients is essential for the perfect chewiness.

Choosing the Right M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

M&Ms and chocolate chips are the highlights. M&Ms bring color and fun, while chocolate chips add more chocolatey goodness. You can pick from many M&M colors and chocolate chip types to match your preference.

By choosing and mixing these ingredients carefully, you’ll make perfect M&M cookie bars. They’re sure to be a hit.

Kitchen Equipment Required

Before you start baking, make sure you have the right kitchen tools. The right equipment can greatly improve your chocolate chip cookie bars with M&Ms.

Baking Pans and Size Considerations

Choosing the right baking pan is key for perfect M&M cookie bars. A 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch square pan works best. It helps with even baking and makes cutting easier. Use a greased metal or glass pan to prevent sticking.

Pan Size	Baking Time	Result
9×9-inch	25-30 minutes	Thinner bars
8×8-inch	30-35 minutes	Thicker bars

Mixing Tools and Other Essentials

You’ll also need some basic mixing tools for your M&M cookie bars. A large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a spatula are essential. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements.

Preparing Your Kitchen and Ingredients

Before you start making your M&M cookie bars, get your kitchen ready. A tidy kitchen and the right ingredients are key. They help your cookie bars turn out just right.

Preheating and Pan Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for M&M cookie bars. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking pan. A 9×9 inch pan works best.

Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, line it with parchment paper. This makes removing the bars easy after baking.

Measuring and Organizing Ingredients

Measuring ingredients accurately is essential. Before mixing, measure out all your ingredients. This includes flour, sugar, butter, eggs, M&Ms, and chocolate chips.

Organize these ingredients in the order you’ll need them. Here’s a quick list:

Dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt
Wet ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract
Mix-ins: M&Ms, chocolate chips

Having everything ready and organized makes mixing easier and more fun.

Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions

Let’s explore how to mix the dough for your M&M cookie bars. Mixing is key to the texture and taste of your final treat.

Creaming Butter and Sugar Properly

Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step adds air, making your cookie bars soft. Use room temperature butter for the best results.

Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Then, add eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. This ensures a smooth dough. Add vanilla extract to boost the flavor of your cookie bars.

Incorporating Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk your dry ingredients together. Then, gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Folding in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Lastly, gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips to spread them evenly. This step is key for a perfect mix of flavors in every bite.

By following these steps, you’ll have a well-mixed dough ready for baking into delicious chocolate chip cookie bars with M&Ms.

To get the perfect M&M cookie bars, you need to bake them carefully. This means following a few important steps. These steps help your bars be chewy inside and perfectly cooked outside.

Spreading the Dough Evenly

First, spread the dough evenly in your baking pan. This makes sure your M&M cookie bars bake the same everywhere. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into the corners. This helps get a uniform thickness.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

Preheat your oven to 350°F as your recipe says. Bake the M&M cookie bars for 20-25 minutes. Watch them closely because oven temperatures can differ.

How to Tell When They’re Done

The M&M cookie bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden. The center should be set but a bit soft. Don’t overbake, as it makes the bars dry. Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Cooling and Cutting Techniques

Cooling your chocolate chip cookie bars with M&Ms is very important. It helps keep the bars’ texture right and makes them simple to cut. It’s important to wait before cutting into them.

Proper Cooling Time

Let your M&M cookie bars cool down completely in the pan. This can take 30 minutes to an hour. It depends on the size of the bars and the room’s temperature.

Cooling them down fully makes them easier to cut and serve. Cutting them too soon can cause them to break apart.

Best Methods for Cutting Even Bars

Use a sharp knife for clean, even cuts. For bar cookie recipes like M&M cookie bars, a gentle sawing motion works best. This helps prevent the bars from breaking.

If the bars are sticky, chilling them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes helps. This makes them firmer and easier to cut. To get uniform bars, use a ruler or straight edge to guide your knife.

With a little know-how, you can overcome common issues and bake perfect M&M cookie bars every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, troubleshooting is an essential skill to master.

Fixing Bars That Are Too Dry or Too Gooey

If your M&M cookie bars turn out too dry, it might be due to overbaking or incorrect ingredient ratios. To avoid this, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and keep an eye on your bars while they’re baking. On the other hand, if your bars are too gooey, they might be underbaked. Try baking them for a few more minutes, but be cautious not to overbake.

Check your oven temperature to ensure it’s accurate.
Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to dry bars.
If you prefer chewier bars, bake them for a shorter time.

Preventing Uneven Baking

Uneven baking can be frustrating, but there are a few strategies to prevent it. Make sure to spread the dough evenly in the pan and rotate the pan halfway through baking. This ensures that your M&M cookie bars bake consistently.

Tips for even baking:

Use a light-colored pan to prevent overheating.
Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
Don’t open the oven door too often, as this can cause temperature fluctuations.

Solutions for Bars That Stick to the Pan

If your M&M cookie bars stick to the pan, it’s likely due to inadequate greasing or not letting them cool completely. To prevent this, grease your pan thoroughly and let the bars cool before cutting. If they are stuck, try using a knife or spatula to loosen them gently.

Explore the many ways to make your M&M cookie bars special. You can match them to any theme or dietary need. This beloved recipe can be adapted in countless ways.

Seasonal M&M Color Themes

Change up your M&M cookie bars with seasonal colors. Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. This simple change makes your treats perfect for any time of year. As “The Spruce Eats” notes,

“Using seasonal colors can add a festive touch to your baked goods.”

Adding Nuts, Pretzels, or Other Mix-ins

Add nuts, pretzels, or other mix-ins to your M&M cookie bars. Chopped peanuts or walnuts add crunch, while pretzels bring a salty taste. Try candy pieces, dried cranberries, or coffee chips for a unique flavor.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Adaptations

Make the M&M cookie bar recipe gluten-free or vegan. Use gluten-free flours like almond or coconut flour. Replace eggs with flaxseed or applesauce for a vegan version. This way, everyone can enjoy your treats.

Double Chocolate and Peanut Butter Versions

For chocolate fans, try a double chocolate version. Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the dough. Or, mix in peanut butter chips or a peanut butter swirl. These versions are a hit, with their rich chocolate and M&M crunch.

Try these variations to keep your M&M cookie bars exciting. Whether for a special event or just for fun, these ideas will make your treats both tasty and beautiful.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After baking your M&M cookie bars, it’s key to store them right to keep them fresh. Storing them properly helps your m&m cookie bars stay tasty for days.

Counter, Refrigerator, and Freezer Storage Methods

Keep your M&M cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

To enjoy your m&m cookie bars recipe at its peak, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the cookie and melts the chocolate chips and M&Ms, boosting the flavor.

Creative Serving Ideas for Parties and Gatherings

For a fun twist, cut your bar cookie recipes into bite-sized pieces. Serve them on a platter with dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. You can also top ice cream or yogurt with them.

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Counter	Up to 3 days	Air-tight container
Refrigerator	Up to 1 week	Keep in airtight container
Freezer	Up to 2 months	Wrap individually & use freezer-safe bag

Now that you’ve baked your delicious chocolate chip cookie bars with M&Ms, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. These M&M bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family.

You can store your M&M cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage. To keep them fresh, consider wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, making chocolate chip cookie bars with M&Ms is a fun and rewarding experience. So go ahead, indulge in your homemade M&M bars, and share your creations with others to spread the joy.

FAQ

Store M&M cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or, freeze them for up to 2 months.

Yes, you can use different M&M flavors and colors. Try seasonal colors or specialty flavors like peanut or pretzel.

Grease your baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Yes, you can make gluten-free M&M cookie bars. Just replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all ingredients are gluten-free.

If they’re too dry, add a bit more butter or bake them for less time. If they’re too gooey, bake them longer or let them cool completely before cutting.

Yes, you can add nuts, pretzels, or other mix-ins. This will give your cookie bars extra texture and flavor.

Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds. Or, warm them up in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes.

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