Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are an irresistible treat that combines the chewy, buttery goodness of a classic cookie with the colorful crunch of M&M candies. Whether you're baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. These bars are easy to make, fun to customize, and packed with flavor. Keep reading to learn how to make the ultimate soft-baked M&M cookie bars and all the tips you need for perfect results every time!
What Are Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars?
Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are a variation of the traditional cookie, but instead of forming individual round cookies, the dough is baked into a larger slab and cut into bars. This method creates a wonderfully chewy texture, and the M&Ms provide a pop of color and a delicious crunch. The result is a dessert that’s slightly crisp on the edges, but soft, moist, and gooey in the center — the best of both worlds!
Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
Before you begin, it's essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need to whip up a batch of these delicious cookie bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – The butter adds richness and moisture, making the bars tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Brown sugar gives the bars a deeper flavor and a chewy texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – This adds sweetness and helps the bars form a crispy top.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.
- 2 and ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Flour provides the foundation of the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the cookie bars rise and creates a soft, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 and ¼ cups M&M candies – The star of the show! You can use regular or mini M&Ms for added color and crunch.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) – For extra chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients List for Variations of Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
Looking to mix things up or cater to specific dietary needs? Here are some ingredients you can substitute or add for unique variations on this classic recipe:
- ½ cup peanut butter – For a peanutty twist, you can swirl in peanut butter with the dough.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) – Add a bit of crunch and extra flavor with your favorite nuts.
- ½ cup butterscotch or white chocolate chips – For a sweeter variation, switch out the chocolate chips.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract – For a different flavor profile, swap vanilla for almond extract.
- Gluten-free flour blend – If you're baking for someone who’s gluten-sensitive, you can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend instead of regular flour.
Substitutions and Variations
Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are highly customizable. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can make to tailor the recipe to your preferences:
- Butter Alternatives: If you want a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine. This can change the texture slightly, but it still produces delicious bars.
- Egg Substitutes: For an egg-free version, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
- Sugar-Free Version: Replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit for a lower-sugar option. Just be sure to check the conversion ratios.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, egg substitutes like flax eggs, and dairy-free M&M-like candies for a fully vegan treat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to bake? Here’s a simple guide on how to make soft-baked M&M cookie bars from scratch.
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the dough to remain soft.
- Spread the Dough: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into the corners and smooth the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. Be careful not to overbake; you want the bars to remain chewy.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
How to Cook Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking the perfect soft-baked M&M cookie bars requires attention to detail at every step. Here's a closer look at how to ensure your bars turn out just right:
- Butter Temperature Matters: Melted butter gives these bars their soft, chewy texture. Make sure the butter is fully melted but not scorching hot before mixing with sugar, or you might end up with greasy bars.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the flour can lead to tough, dense bars. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best results.
- Monitor Baking Time: The secret to achieving that soft-baked texture is pulling the bars out of the oven when the center is just set. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking rather than overbaking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: This is one of the most common issues. Overbaking results in dry, crumbly bars instead of the soft, gooey texture you want.
- Using Cold Butter: If the butter isn't melted, the dough won’t mix as smoothly, and you might end up with uneven baking.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: If you cut the bars before they’re fully cooled, they may crumble or fall apart. Patience is key!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is half the fun when it comes to desserts like soft-baked M&M cookie bars. Here are a few ways to make your bars look as good as they taste:
- Cut into Uniform Pieces: Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the bars into uniform squares or rectangles for a clean, professional look.
- Top with Extra M&Ms: For added visual appeal, press a few extra M&Ms onto the top of the dough before baking. This ensures a colorful finish.
- Add a Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top of the bars for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
Soft-baked M&M cookie bars can be served on their own or paired with a variety of complementary treats. Here are some ideas to take your serving game to the next level:
- A La Mode: Serve warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can add lightness to the rich, chewy bars.
- As Part of a Dessert Platter: Include the bars as part of a dessert platter alongside brownies, cookies, and fruit for a party-friendly option.
Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
Want to elevate your soft-baked M&M cookie bars for a special occasion? Here are a few creative presentation ideas:
- Gift Boxes: Cut the bars into neat squares and package them in small boxes tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Stacked Bars: Stack the bars on a dessert stand or tiered cake plate for a visually stunning display at a party.
- Cookie Bar Tower: Create a tower by stacking the bars in a pyramid shape and dusting them with powdered sugar for a festive look.
Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
Here are a few final tips to ensure your soft-baked M&M cookie bars turn out perfect every time:
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help enhance the chewy texture and prevent the bars from spreading too much in the oven.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing.
- Storing: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of candy instead of M&Ms?
Yes! You can swap out M&Ms for Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, or even caramel bits for a fun twist.
How do I keep my cookie bars soft?
Storing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap will help retain moisture and keep them soft.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife, and for extra clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
Conclusion
Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging in a personal treat, these bars offer the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, with a pop of chocolate in every bite. With the variations and substitutions we’ve outlined, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. Follow our tips, avoid common mistakes, and you’ll have perfectly soft, irresistible cookie bars every time. Happy baking!
PrintSoft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe
Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are an irresistible dessert featuring chewy cookie dough loaded with colorful M&Ms. Perfect for parties or a quick treat, these bars combine the classic cookie flavor with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of any level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- M&M candies
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips.
- Spread dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool, slice into bars, and serve!
Notes
For extra chewy texture, underbake slightly, as they will firm up while cooling. Add extra M&Ms on top before baking for a colorful finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
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