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Soft-Baked Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

soft-baked chewy M&M cookie bars - featured image
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These soft-baked chewy M&M cookie bars are easy to make, kid-approved, and perfect for back-to-school mornings or after-school snacks. They feature a soft, chewy texture with colorful melty M&Ms in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (310 g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227 g)
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed (300 g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups M&Ms (260 g), classic or peanut

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Gently fold in the M&Ms, saving a handful to sprinkle on top.
  7. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top.
  8. Bake for 20-23 minutes until edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out for easy cutting.
  10. Cut into 12-16 bars depending on preferred size. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough bars. Use brown sugar for moisture and chewiness. Watch baking time closely to keep bars soft. If bars brown too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Soften butter, do not melt. Chill dough for 15 minutes if too sticky to spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: M&M cookie bars, soft baked cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, back-to-school snacks, easy cookie bars, kid-friendly dessert

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/soft-baked-chewy-m-and-m-cookie-bars-easy-recipe-for-back-to-school-fun/