Easter M&M’S Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easter M&M’S Cookie Bars are a festive and fun treat perfect for spring celebrations. Packed with colorful candies and chocolate chips, they’re soft, chewy, and easy to make in a single pan. A delightful way to enjoy the flavors of Easter in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks of butter at room temperature
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of firmly packed golden brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of Easter M&M’S plus more for topping
• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips plus more for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 inch cake pan with foil, leaving some overhang to help with removal later. Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and continue to beat until combined.
3. Step 3: Lower the mixer speed and add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined.
4. Step 4: Fold in the Easter M&M’S, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips, reserving some of each for the topping.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Press the reserved candies and chips into the top of the dough for a colorful finish.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cookie bars are just set and lightly browned. They should remain soft in the center. Avoid overbaking.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the foil overhang and cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use regular M&M’S if Easter varieties are not available. For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
• If you prefer softer bars, reduce baking time by a few minutes and keep a close watch near the end.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw frozen bars at room temperature and warm slightly in the microwave if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute mini chocolate chips and white chocolate chips with any combination of your favorite chips like dark, milk, or butterscotch. Adjust quantities to your liking.

How can I make these bars dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter or margarine and ensure any chocolate candies or chips you choose are dairy-free. Check ingredient labels to confirm.

Easter M&M’S Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

Delight in festive Easter M&M’S Cookie Bars that combine a buttery cookie base with vibrant Easter M&M’S, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. These soft, chewy bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and make a colorful, sweet treat that everyone will love.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 2 sticks of butter at room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of firmly packed golden brown sugar
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt

Add-ins and Toppings

• 1 cup of Easter M&M’S plus more for topping
• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips plus more for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch cake pan with foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Generously spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter along with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
4. Incorporate Candy Chips: Fold in the Easter M&M’S, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips, reserving some of each to sprinkle on top of the cookie dough later.
5. Transfer and Top: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Press the reserved Easter M&M’S, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips into the surface of the dough to create a colorful topping.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cookie bars are just set but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking, as the bars will firm up as they cool.
7. Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out the foil overhang to remove. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugars for a tender texture.
• Do not overbake; bars should be soft in the center for the perfect chewy consistency.
• Foil overhang allows for easy removal of cookie bars from the pan without breaking.
• Feel free to swap Easter M&M’S with regular M&M’S or other colorful candies depending on the season.
• For best results, allow bars to cool fully before cutting to maintain shape and clean edges.

Keywords: Easter cookie bars, M&M cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, holiday dessert, soft cookie bars