How do I know when the bars are done?

Look for edges that are golden and pulling slightly from the sides of the pan. The center should look set but still soft. A toothpick might show moist crumbs and that is perfect.

Can I use different M&Ms?

Yes. Peanut, mini, or peppermint M&Ms all work. If they are larger, lightly chop them so slicing the bars is easier.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required. The dough bakes right away and that is part of the charm. If the kitchen is very warm, a short 15 minute chill in the pan helps keep edges neat.

What if I only have a glass pan?

You can use it, but reduce the oven temperature to 325 F and start checking at 25 minutes. Glass holds heat and can overbrown edges, so keep a close eye.

Can I cut a smaller batch?

Yes. Halve the recipe and bake in an 8 inch square pan. Start checking at 20 minutes.

Festive Christmas M&M Cookie Bars You’ll Love To Bake

Name: Easy M&M Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional); 1 and 1/2 cups holiday M&Ms, plus a handful for the top; 1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
1 and 1/2 cups holiday M&Ms, plus a handful for the top
1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 metal pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
Cream the butter with brown and granulated sugars until creamy and lighter in color, about 2 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla until smooth. Scrape the bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch if using.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low just until combined. Stir in M&Ms and chocolate chips by hand.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top, pressing them gently into the surface.
Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, until edges are golden and the center looks set but still soft. Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes if your oven runs hot.
Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes before lifting out using the parchment and cutting into squares.

Notes

Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. For gifting, wrap bars in parchment tied with baker’s twine.

Author: Chef Rita
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg