M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cookie bars.

Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the bars chewy.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the structure of the bars.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookie bars.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough and gives structure to the bars.

Baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

M&M's: Adds colorful, chocolatey bursts throughout the cookie bars.

When creaming together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, ensure the butter is at room temperature. This will help achieve a smooth and fluffy mixture, which is crucial for the cookie bars' texture. Additionally, when folding in the m&m's, be gentle to avoid breaking them and ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in baking, providing a similar texture and moisture content.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in the same quantity as brown sugar.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and moisture, but reduce the amount to ⅓ cup and decrease other liquids in the recipe by ¼ cup.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This mixture can bind ingredients similarly to eggs.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor, though use half the amount as it is stronger than vanilla.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, though it may make the bars denser.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda, but omit any salt in the recipe.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.

• m&m's - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips provide a similar texture and chocolate flavor, though without the candy coating.

• Once your cookie bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares or rectangles. This ensures they are ready for storage or freezing.

• For short-term storage, place the cookie bars in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to one week.

• If you prefer to keep them fresh for a longer period, refrigerate the cookie bars in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

• For freezing, wrap each cookie bar individually in plastic wrap. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.

• Place the wrapped cookie bars in a large freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen cookie bar, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.

• For a quicker option, you can microwave the cookie bar for 10-15 seconds. This will give you a warm, gooey treat reminiscent of freshly baked desserts.

• If you plan to serve the cookie bars at a gathering, you can pre-cut them and arrange them on a serving platter. Cover the platter with plastic wrap or a lid to keep them fresh until serving time.

• Remember, proper storage is key to maintaining the delightful texture and flavor of your cookie bars. Enjoy them as a quick snack, a delightful dessert, or a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the cookie bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the cookie bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
  5. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a cookie bar on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the cookie bar with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the cookie bar and continue to heat in 10-second intervals if needed, until it reaches your desired warmth.
  5. Let it cool for a few seconds before eating.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the cookie bars on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover the cookie bars with a piece of aluminum foil to keep them from drying out.
  4. Heat for 8-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
  5. Remove from the toaster oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the cookie bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooking.
  4. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before enjoying.

• Stovetop Skillet Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Place the cookie bars in the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and moisture.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
  5. Remove from the skillet and let them cool slightly before eating.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookie bars at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• 9x13 inch baking pan: The pan where the cookie dough will be spread and baked.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix the ingredients.

• Hand mixer: Useful for creaming together the butter and sugars until smooth.

• Spatula: Helps in folding in the M&M's and spreading the dough evenly in the pan.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugars, and butter.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.

• Cooling rack: Allows the cookie bars to cool evenly after baking.

• Knife: Used to cut the cooled cookie bars into individual pieces.

• Non-stick spray: To grease the baking pan and prevent the cookie bars from sticking.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth workflow and prevents mistakes.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can cream the butter and sugars faster than by hand, saving you valuable time.

Room temperature butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.

Line the pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking pan. This makes it easier to remove the cookie bars and reduces cleanup time.

Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze half the dough for future use.