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Easter M&M Cookie Bars

Easter M&M Cookie Bars
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Chewy and colorful Easter M&M Cookie Bars bursting with festive candy and rich chocolate flavor. These easy-to-make bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for spring celebrations, family gatherings, or anytime festive treat cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 ½ cups Easter M&Ms, plus extra for topping
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) or chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution for the perfect texture.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract to boost flavor and help the dough come together smoothly.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and chewy.
  6. Fold in Easter M&Ms: Gently fold in the colorful Easter M&Ms, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top for extra visual appeal.
  7. Bake the Cookie Bars: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top, and bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are golden but the center remains soft.
  8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to preserve their shape and chewy texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and a tender crumb.
  • Stir dough until just combined to avoid tough, cakey bars.
  • Remove from oven just before fully set to keep a chewy center.
  • Customize candy with seasonal variations to match your holiday theme.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter cookie bars, Easter M&M bars, chewy cookie bars, holiday dessert, colorful cookie bars, festive treats, spring dessert

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/easter-mm-cookie-bars/