M&M Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
There’s something incredibly delightful about cookie bars, especially when they’re loaded with colorful M&Ms and rich chocolate chips. This M&M Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe is a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in with a movie. The bars are chewy, sweet, and packed with flavor, making them an instant hit for both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into how to create these delicious bars that are sure to impress!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes this M&M Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe stand out is the combination of textures and flavors. The soft, chewy center combined with the crunch of M&Ms creates a delightful contrast. The addition of instant vanilla pudding mix ensures that these cookie bars are extra moist and flavorful. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum satisfaction.
What You’ll Need
To whip up these scrumptious cookie bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.5 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
Equipment Breakdown
You’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to make this recipe a breeze:
- Mixing bowl: For combining wet ingredients and sugars.
- Electric mixer: To ensure your butter and sugars are creamed well.
- Spatula: For folding in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for these bars.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking pan for easy removal of the cookie bars.
- Cooling rack: For cooling the cookie bars after baking.
Directions: M&M Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5:
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and red and green M&Ms using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the texture.
Step 6:
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 7:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8:
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, here are some substitutes you can use:
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Egg-free: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
Pro Tips & Notes
- For a chewier bar, do not overbake. Keep an eye on them as they approach the 20-minute mark.
- Feel free to mix in other types of candy or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
- For a fun twist, try using seasonal M&Ms to match the occasion.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your M&M Chocolate Cookie Bars fresh:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Popular Questions
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
Can I substitute the M&Ms with another candy?
Yes, you can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chunks, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit for a different flavor profile.
What should I do if my cookie bars are too crumbly?
If your cookie bars are crumbly, it might be due to overbaking or too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix, such as chocolate or butterscotch, to create new flavor combinations.
Before You Go
Thank you for joining me in making these delightful M&M Chocolate Cookie Bars! With their chewy texture and vibrant colors, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or treat for friends, they are a simple yet satisfying dessert that you can whip up in no time. Happy baking!
M&M Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and red and green M&Ms using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the texture.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a chewier bar, do not overbake. Keep an eye on them as they approach the 20-minute mark.
- Feel free to mix in other types of candy or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
- For a fun twist, try using seasonal M&Ms to match the occasion.
