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Easter M&M Cookie Bars

Easter M&M Cookie Bars
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These Easter M&M Cookie Bars are a quick and easy festive dessert loaded with colorful candy-coated chocolates. They feature a soft, chewy texture combined with gooey sweetness, making them perfect for holiday celebrations, school parties, or anytime you want a cheerful and kid-friendly treat. Ready in under 30 minutes, these bars brighten up your dessert table with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 ½ cups Easter M&M candies (reserve some for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients and baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Measure and set out all your ingredients so everything is ready to mix smoothly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the dough.
  3. Cream butter and sugars: Using a mixer or sturdy spoon, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration helps give the bars their tender texture.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This step binds the dough and adds depth to the flavor.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until fully combined without overmixing to keep the bars soft and chewy.
  6. Fold in Easter M&Ms: Gently fold in most of the Easter M&M candies, reserving a handful for sprinkling on top before baking. This layering creates a colorful finish.
  7. Bake and cool: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, sprinkle reserved M&Ms on top, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but still soft. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and lighter texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; fold the flour gently to prevent tough bars.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper to ease removal and cleanup.
  • Remove from oven when edges turn golden but centers remain slightly soft for perfect chewiness.
  • Add M&Ms last and fold gently to prevent melting and color running throughout the dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter M&M cookie bars, colorful cookie bars, kid-friendly dessert, quick Easter treats, chewy cookie bars

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/easter-mm-cookie-bars/