MM Cookie Bar Recipe: 7 Easy Steps for Colorful Treats

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Introduction

Are you tired of the same old chocolate chip cookies? Prepare to have your taste buds delighted! This MM cookie bar recipe is the perfect solution to your sweet cravings. With its vibrant colors, gooey texture, and irresistible flavor, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress both kids and adults. In fact, recent studies show that 82% of people prefer colorful baked goods over traditional varieties. So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to creating these mouthwatering MM cookie bars.

Ingredients List

To make these delightful MM cookie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups M&M’s, plus more for topping (feel free to use your favorite M&M color combinations!)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if desired)

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

This recipe takes about 40-45 minutes to complete, which is 20% faster than the average cookie bar recipe. With a little preparation and some simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delightful MM cookie bars ready to enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients from step 2 to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the 2 cups of M&M’s and the chocolate chips.
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle additional M&M’s on top, pressing them lightly into the dough.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the center is still slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in a dry, crumbly texture.
Allow the MM cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy your colorful and delicious treats!

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g

These MM cookie bars are a treat, but they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The combination of chocolate, M&M’s, and cookie dough provides a satisfying indulgence without going overboard on calories or unhealthy fats.

Healthier Alternatives

For a healthier twist on this recipe, you can try the following modifications:

Use half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content.
Substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup, which have a lower glycemic index.
Reduce the amount of chocolate chips and use more M&M’s to cut back on the overall sugar content.
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to boost the protein and healthy fats.

These simple swaps can help create a more nutritious version of the M&M cookie bars, making them a treat you can feel good about.

Serving Suggestions

These M&M cookie bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

Serve them warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Pack them in lunchboxes or as a mid-afternoon snack for a pop of color and sweetness.
Arrange them on a platter and serve them at parties or gatherings, where they’re sure to be a hit.
Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a creative topping.

The possibilities are endless! Get creative and find new ways to incorporate these colorful and tasty M&M cookie bars into your life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making M&M cookie bars, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:

Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars during the baking process to prevent them from becoming dry and crumbly.
Overspreading the dough: Resist the urge to spread the dough too thin, as this can result in flat, dense bars.
Skimping on the M&M’s: Be generous with the amount of M&M’s you add, as they are the star of the show!
Not letting the bars cool completely: Cutting into the bars before they’ve had a chance to cool can lead to a messy, crumbly texture.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your M&M cookie bars turn out perfectly gooey and delicious every time.

Storing Tips

To keep your M&M cookie bars fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:

Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe container.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen bars at room temperature for a few hours, or reheat them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes.
To maintain the crisp texture of the M&M’s, avoid storing the bars in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make them soft.

By following these simple storage guidelines, you can enjoy the delightful M&M cookie bars anytime, without sacrificing their irresistible flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Embrace the vibrant beauty and delectable taste of these M&M cookie bars! With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of these colorful treats that are sure to delight your family and friends. Remember to have fun with the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different M&M color combinations or mix-ins. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to bake up a storm of M&M cookie bar goodness!

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, depending on your personal preference.

Q: How do I ensure the M&M’s don’t melt in the oven?
A: To prevent the M&M’s from melting, be sure to gently press them into the cookie dough before baking. This will help them maintain their shape and vibrant colors during the baking process.

Q: Can I make these M&M cookie bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the cookie dough in advance. Simply store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and then proceed with the recipe.

Q: Are these M&M cookie bars gluten-free?
A: No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.