Get ready to experience the most irresistible dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Chocolate Chip M&M Cookie Bars are not just another ordinary treat - they're a perfect blend of chewy, soft cookie goodness packed with rich chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies. Imagine biting into a bar that combines the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the playful crunch of M&Ms, creating a dessert that's guaranteed to become an instant family favorite. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing party snack or a sweet weekend indulgence, these cookie bars will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips, reserving about 1/4 cup for topping.
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press the reserved chocolate chips and M&M candies on top of the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into 16 equal squares.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect texture.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to tough, dense bars.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to get clean, precise squares.
- For extra visual appeal, strategically place some M&Ms on top of the dough before baking.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to help them incorporate more smoothly.
- If you like a slightly gooey center, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
