Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe is like a warm hug from your oven, bringing together soft, chewy cookie goodness and colorful bursts of chocolate. Imagine biting into a piece that’s as comforting as your favorite childhood memory, with every chewy bite melting in your mouth and sending you back to simpler times.
Now, let’s sprinkle in some fun! These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a movie night or just need a pick-me-up after a long day. Once you make these delicious treats, you’ll find yourself sneaking back to the kitchen for “just one more” (or three). delicious holiday treats Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of any skill level.
- Each bar is packed with delightful flavors and textures that everyone loves.
- Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing, brightening up any dessert table.
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of lunchboxes; they’re super versatile!
Ingredients for Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have ingredient that gives the bars their structure and chewiness.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become perfectly fluffy. For more inspiration, check out this Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies recipe.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture; it adds richness.
- Brown Sugar: This brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor to the cookie bars.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and that beautiful golden color.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together, creating those gooey centers we crave.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm flavor note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- M&M’s Chocolate Candies: The star of the show, adding colorful pops of chocolate to every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while we work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about two minutes; you’re looking for a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add in your large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until everything is well combined—this is where the magic starts happening!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want soft bars here! Gently fold in those colorful M&M’s until evenly dispersed throughout.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they’re lightly golden on top. Let them cool before slicing (if you can resist!).
Transfer to plates and serve warm for an extra gooey treat! Enjoy these Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars at parties, family gatherings, or just because you deserve something sweet today!
You Must Know
- This delightful soft-baked M&M cookie bars recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s also about bringing joy to any gathering.
- The blend of chocolate and chewy goodness makes these bars a hit for kids and adults alike.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect soft-baked M&M cookie bars, start by preheating your oven while mixing the dough. Once the dough is ready, scoop it onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown for that irresistible chewy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out M&Ms for your favorite candies or chocolate chips. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the flavor profile, making them uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Avoid overbaking; look for a slight jiggle in the center when checking doneness.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely before cutting them into squares to prevent crumbling.
It was one of those “oops, I forgot dessert” moments when I whipped up these cookie bars last minute for a family gathering, and they were devoured before I could even grab a piece!
FAQs:
What are the key ingredients in the Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe?
The key ingredients for the Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe include all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, unsalted butter or a plant-based alternative, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and of course, colorful M&M candies. You can use chocolate chips as an alternative for added richness. gooey butter pecan cake Avoiding animal-derived products is important; therefore, ensure to select alternatives like plant-based margarine if needed. mini lemon pound cake bites This combination yields a chewy and soft texture that melts in your mouth, making it a delightful treat. For more inspiration, check out this Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe recipe.
How long does it take to prepare these cookie bars?
Preparing the Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe takes about 15 minutes for mixing the ingredients and preparing the baking dish. Baking them in the oven typically requires around 20 to 25 minutes. After baking, allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. cinnamon roll cake recipe In total, you should expect the entire process to take roughly an hour from start to finish. This timeline makes these cookie bars a quick and easy option for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! You can easily customize the Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe according to your preferences. For instance, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Additionally, you can replace M&Ms with nuts or dried fruits like cranberries for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lower sugar option, consider using natural sweeteners like maple syrup, adjusting the liquid content accordingly. These changes will still yield delicious results while catering to your dietary needs.
How should I store the Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars?
To keep your Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them; they can last up to two weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. For longer storage options, freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container—this allows you to enjoy them later without sacrificing taste or texture.
Conclusion for Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe:
In summary, the Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe is a delightful treat that combines simple ingredients with customizable options. The recipe is quick and easy to prepare while ensuring that no animal-derived products are used. Enjoy these delicious cookie bars fresh from the oven or stored for later indulgence. With their chewy texture and vibrant colors from the M&Ms, they are sure to be a hit at gatherings or as a special snack at home!
Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars
Indulge in the warm, chewy goodness of Soft-baked M&M Cookie Bars. These delightful treats combine rich flavors and vibrant colors, making them perfect for any occasion. With a simple recipe that’s easy to follow, you’ll find yourself baking these bars time and again—ideal for movie nights, gatherings, or a sweet pick-me-up!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&M’s chocolate candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in M&Ms.
- Spread the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Use room temperature butter for easier mixing. For added flavor, swap M&Ms for your favorite candies or sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
