The Ultimate M&M Cookie Bar Recipe: Chewy, Gooey, and Guaranteed to Impress

Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistible M&M cookie bars? This recipe delivers chewy, gooey perfection, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Forget those dry, crumbly cookie bars – this recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is surprisingly simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth and creamy batter.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that perfect chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to your bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 2 cups milk chocolate M&Ms: The star of the show!
• 1 cup peanut butter M&Ms (optional): Add some nutty goodness for extra flavor variation.

Instructions for M&M Cookie Bar Bliss:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This will prevent sticking and make removing the bars a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry to Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Stir in the M&Ms

Gently fold in the milk chocolate M&Ms and peanut butter M&Ms (if using).

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for easier cutting.

Tips for M&M Cookie Bar Success:

• Don't overbake! Overbaked bars will be dry and crumbly.
• Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cookie bars will taste.
• Get creative with M&Ms: Experiment with different colors and flavors of M&Ms.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition.
• Store properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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