Description
Rich m&m cookie bars combine classic chocolate chip cookie dough with colorful candy pieces for a delightful treat. Chewy edges and gooey centers make these bars irresistible for kids and adults seeking a sweet afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups (343 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200 grams) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/4 cups (260 grams) mini or regular-size M&Ms
- 3/4 cup (135 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by heating the oven to 350F (177C). Create a parchment paper sling in a 9×13-inch pan, ensuring edges overhang for easy removal.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
- In a separate bowl, blend melted butter with sugars until smooth and uniform. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gently merge wet and dry ingredient mixtures, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Carefully fold chocolate chips and M&Ms throughout the mixture, creating a rich, textured batter.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and pressing gently to create a uniform layer. Bake for 26-30 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness with a toothpick test.
- If edges brown too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately one hour.
- Optional: While bars are still warm, strategically press additional M&Ms onto the surface for enhanced visual appeal. Once fully cooled, utilize parchment overhang to lift and slice into square servings.
Notes
- Customize Texture: Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch for softer, more cake-like bars that remain moist and tender.
- Dietary Swap: Replace regular M&Ms with gluten-free or vegan chocolate candies to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature around 190-200°F for perfectly consistent doneness across the entire pan.
- Storage Strategy: Store bars in an airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain freshness and prevent sticking for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg