Soft M&M Cookie Bars

When you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, nothing beats the comfort of Soft M&M Cookie Bars. These delightful bars combine the classic flavors of a cookie with the fun added crunch and color of M&M candies. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re chewy, soft, and bursting with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them in lunchboxes, or just enjoying them at home, Soft M&M Cookie Bars are sure to be a hit. The best part? They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!

Ingredients about Soft M&M Cookie Bars

List of ingredients with measurements

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups M&M candies

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you find yourself missing some ingredients, do not worry—there are several substitutes you can use! Instead of all-purpose flour, you can try using whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but cut back on the added salt in the recipe. Granulated sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar, which gives a unique flavor. For a vegan option, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use applesauce.

How to Make Soft M&M Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookie bars bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare your baking dish. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookie bars from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed. This step helps to incorporate the leavening agent (baking soda) throughout the flour, which is essential for achieving the right texture. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary to ensure all butter and sugar are well combined. The creaming process incorporates air, creating a fluffy texture for your cookie bars.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is fully combined, which should take around 1-2 minutes. It’s crucial to mix thoroughly so that the eggs emulsify with the butter, creating a smooth mixture.

Step 5: Combine and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; stop when you can’t see any flour. Next, gently fold in the M&M candies using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Spread the Batter

Pour the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly across the pan. Make sure to smooth the top so it bakes evenly. If you want extra crunch and color, sprinkle a few additional M&Ms on top before baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown but the center is still soft. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, with just a few crumbs sticking to it—this is a sign they are perfectly baked.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This cooling process helps them set up, making it easier to get clean cuts.

How to Serve Soft M&M Cookie Bars

Best ways to serve Soft M&M Cookie Bars

Serving Soft M&M Cookie Bars is as easy as cutting them into squares and placing them on a platter. For a decorative touch, you can dust the bars with a bit of powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can also elevate your serving experience!

Serving suggestions or pairings

These cookie bars are perfect on their own or paired with a glass of milk. They also make a great addition to a dessert table, whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying an afternoon treat with friends. Consider serving them with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

How to Store Soft M&M Cookie Bars

Proper storage methods

Store your Soft M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week, although they are best enjoyed fresh. You can also line your container with parchment paper to help absorb any moisture and keep them soft.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you find that the bars have become a bit hard or stale after a few days, you can soften them by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.

Tips to Make Soft M&M Cookie Bars

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake when making cookie bars is overmixing the dough. Once the flour is added, mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars. Another mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately, which can affect the final texture. Make sure to level off flour and sugar when measuring for the best results.

Helpful tips for better results

For an even softer texture, consider chilling the cookie bar dough for about 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the bars. Additionally, using room-temperature ingredients—like eggs and butter—will create a smoother batter. Lastly, don’t be shy with the M&Ms—adding more can create a celebration of color and joy in your cookie bars!

Variation of Soft M&M Cookie Bars

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

You can customize these cookie bars in many ways. Try using different types of candy, like chocolate chips, peanut butter M&Ms or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also incorporate nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, for added texture and crunch.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those with dietary concerns, making these bars gluten-free is simple. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free versions, use coconut oil instead of butter and non-dairy milk instead of eggs. Experimenting with these alternatives can yield tasty treats without compromising flavor!

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your Soft M&M Cookie Bars are not turning out well, double-check your measurements, especially for flour and baking soda. Ensure that your oven temperature is accurate, as an oven thermometer can help with this. If they are too crumbly, it could be a sign of too much flour or not enough butter. Adjust accordingly next time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Soft M&M Cookie Bars ahead of time. They are perfect for storing in an airtight container for up to a week or even freezing them for later enjoyment. This makes them a great option for busy weeks or when you have guests coming over.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

As mentioned earlier, ingredient substitutions are easy! You can use coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour, flaxseed meal instead of eggs for a vegan option, and coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar. Feel free to swap different types of add-ins for the M&Ms as well, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit!

Making Soft M&M Cookie Bars is a fun and delicious baking adventure. With straightforward ingredients and steps, anyone can enjoy creating and sharing these delightful treats! Enjoy making your own batch today!

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