Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe

Do you love soft, chewy cookies packed with M&Ms and chocolate chips? If you're a fan of delicious cookie bars with a combination of both, you're in for a treat! This soft-baked M&M cookie bar recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, and it's incredibly easy to make. The buttery flavor paired with colorful candy and gooey chocolate chips makes these bars a go-to for parties, gatherings, or just a snack at home. Read on to learn how to make these irresistible cookie bars, from gathering the ingredients to serving them beautifully!

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What Are Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars?

Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are essentially a cross between a classic chocolate chip cookie and a brownie-like bar. Instead of forming individual cookies, you bake the dough in a pan and cut it into squares. The result? Chewy, soft cookie bars that are packed with mini or regular M&Ms and semi-sweet chocolate chips. With a buttery base, a slight crisp on the edges, and a soft, gooey center, these bars are bound to be a hit with everyone. Plus, you can customize them with different kinds of candy or chocolate, making this recipe as versatile as it is tasty!

Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars

To make the perfect soft-baked M&M cookie bars, you'll need a few basic baking ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• 2 and ¾ cups (343g) all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measuring.
• 1 and ½ teaspoons cornstarch: This helps keep the bars soft and tender.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: For leavening and light texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, melted & cooled for 5 minutes: Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a deep caramel flavor.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature: These bind the ingredients and add moisture.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds a rich flavor that complements the chocolate.
• 1 and ¼ cups (about 260g) mini or regular-size M&Ms: The star ingredient, adding color and crunch.
• ¾ cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that enhance the overall flavor.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch.
• Coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
• White chocolate chips for added sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Whether you're missing an ingredient or want to switch things up, here are some simple substitutions and variations you can try:

• Butter: You can substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter if needed, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half. You can also try using margarine or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• M&Ms: Don’t have M&Ms on hand? You can replace them with other candy-coated chocolates or even chopped chocolate bars.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Swap them out for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips. You can also use peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips for a fun twist.
• Eggs: If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or use a commercial egg replacer.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make these delightful soft-baked M&M cookie bars? Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, mix the melted butter (make sure it’s cooled slightly), brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dense cookie bars.
5. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the M&Ms and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. The dough will be thick, but that’s normal.
6. Transfer Dough to Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring that the dough is evenly distributed across the pan.
7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. It’s important not to overbake, as you want the bars to stay soft and chewy.
8. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.

How to Cook Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prepping the Oven and Pan

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the bars don’t stick and are easy to remove.

Mixing the Dough

• Whisk together the dry ingredients, including flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Separately, blend melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, combine the dry and wet mixtures, folding in the M&Ms and chocolate chips last.

Baking

• Spread the dough in the pan, bake for 25-30 minutes, and avoid overbaking by keeping a close eye on the edges. Remove the bars once they appear lightly golden but still slightly underbaked in the center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can cause the cookie bars to become tough. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
• Overbaking: The key to soft-baked cookie bars is removing them from the oven when the center still appears slightly underdone. The residual heat will continue cooking them, leaving you with a perfectly soft and chewy texture.
• Not Cooling Properly: Cutting the bars before they’ve cooled completely can result in a messy presentation. Give them time to firm up before slicing.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These cookie bars are delicious on their own, but a few presentation tricks can make them even more appealing for special occasions.

How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars

Serve these bars at room temperature for the best texture. They pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars

• Colorful Candy Topping: Right after the bars come out of the oven, sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top for a vibrant, colorful appearance.
• Cut into Shapes: Instead of cutting them into regular squares, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like hearts, stars, or circles, especially for themed parties.
• Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusting the tops with powdered sugar can add a fancy touch without altering the taste.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: If you prefer a thicker, denser bar, you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the bars from spreading too much in the oven.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for a unique flavor twist.
• Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients (like M&Ms) are gluten-free as well.

2. How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookie bars will stay fresh for up to 7 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake the bars in two 9x13-inch pans, or use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

4. Can I add other candies or toppings?
Yes! Feel free to mix in or top the bars with additional candies, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of chewy cookies and chocolatey goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them at home, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit. Customize them with your favorite add-ins, follow our step-by-step guide, and avoid common mistakes to ensure a perfect batch every time. Happy baking!

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