Name: M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups red and green M&M’s; Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Description

Chewy, colorful M&M Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive dessert! Easy to make, perfect for holidays, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups red and green M&M’s
Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars : In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Proper creaming ensures your bars have a tender, airy texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients : Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances the cookie’s rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients : In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Step 5: Fold in M&M’s : Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of M&M’s, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping.
Step 6: Transfer to Pan : Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it into the corners. Scatter the reserved M&M’s on top, gently pressing them into the surface.
Step 7: Bake : Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Slice : Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.