🍪 M&M Cookie Bars ✨
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Bars:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and chewy.
Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Reserve a small handful of M&Ms for topping.
Assemble and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top for a colorful finish. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!