Description
Festive M&M Cookie Bars
These Santa-approved cookie bars are loaded with festive M&Ms and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for gifting or snacking by the fire.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter (browned)
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups red and green M&Ms
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch pan.
Brown butter on the stove, let cool, then mix with sugars.
Add eggs and vanilla. Combine with flour and baking soda.
Stir in M&Ms and press batter into the pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before serving.
What’s Santa’s favorite treat at your house? Share below!
#SantaCookieBars
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookie bars every time.
- Brown the Butter: Melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Swirl constantly until it foams, turns golden brown, and releases a nutty aroma (about 5-8 minutes). Immediately pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking. Let cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold & Press: Reserve 1/4 cup of M&Ms for topping. Gently fold the remaining M&Ms into the dough. Transfer the thick batter to your parchment-lined 9×9 pan. Press firmly into an even layer. Sprinkle reserved M&Ms on top and press lightly.
- Bake & Cool: Bake on the center rack for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be golden and the center set. A toothpick inserted should have a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bars are perfect for any festive occasion. Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday cookie platter alongside classics like gingerbread and shortbread.
How-to Summary
Brown butter, mix with sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients, fold in festive M&Ms, press into a pan, and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular butter instead of browning it? Yes, but browning adds a deep, nutty flavor that is highly recommended. Use melted, cooled butter as a direct substitute.
Can I use different candy or chocolate chips? Absolutely. Holiday sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or a mix of peanut M&Ms and semi-sweet chips all work wonderfully.
How should I store these cookie bars? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why did my bars turn out cakey or dry? This is often due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which develops too much gluten. Mix until just combined.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Cooling the Brown Butter: Adding hot butter will cook the eggs and create a greasy batter.
- Overmixing the Dough: This leads to tough, dense bars. Mix until no dry flour remains.
- Overbaking: The bars will continue to set as they cool. Remove when the edges are golden and the center looks just set.
- Cutting While Warm: This causes messy, crumbly bars. Patience is key for clean slices.
Conclusion
These Festive M&M Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy holiday treat, combining the rich flavor of brown butter with cheerful candy. Simple enough for bakers of any level, they are guaranteed to spread joy. We’d love to hear your variations—what’s Santa’s favorite treat at your house? Share below! #SantaCookieBars
