M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour ((320g))
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened (226g))
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar ((220g))
• ½ cup granulated sugar ((100g))
• 2 large eggs
• 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup regular M&Ms (plus more for sprinkling (220g))
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus more for sprinkling (90g))

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. (If it’s too fluffy, the bars will be crumbly, not chewy.)

4. 4

   Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. WIth the mix on low speed, add the flour mixture and beat just until combined. Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips.

5. 5

   Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared pan and press it into an even layer. Sprinkle the top with more M&Ms and chocolate chips if desired.

6. 6

   Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cookie dough is lightly browned and appears dry and slightly shiny on the surface. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment to remove the cookie slab from the pan and cut it into bars.