If you’re looking for a cheerful, scrumptious treat that’s perfect for spring celebrations, you’ve got to try this Easter Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe. This delightful dessert is bursting with colorful candy goodness and rich, buttery sweetness that will bring pure joy to any Easter gathering. These cookie bars are super easy to make and offer a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with vibrant pops of M&Ms candy, making them a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, these bars will become a yearly tradition you look forward to sharing with everyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easter Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Every component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, from the softness of the butter to the colorful crunch of the M&Ms. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!
- Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the bars soft and tender.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep caramel flavor and moistness to the cookie bars.
- Egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together, helping create that chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
- Flour (1 1/2 cups): The structural element that holds everything together.
- M&Ms (1 1/2 cups, divided): The star of the show, adding colorful bursts of chocolate and crunch throughout.
How to Make Easter Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your pan
Start by heating your oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil or parchment paper and give it a good spray with cooking spray—this will make removing the bars much easier and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream together butter and brown sugar
Grab a fork and beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until well mixed and creamy. This step is key because it ensures a smooth, tender base for your cookie bars packed with sweetness.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined. This mixture will help bind the cookie bar dough and add subtle notes of vanilla that enhance the overall flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate salt and baking powder
Sprinkle in the salt and baking powder, stirring gently. Don’t overmix here—the goal is to evenly distribute these ingredients so your bars get just the right texture and flavor balance.
Step 5: Slowly stir in the flour
Time to add the flour slowly, folding it into the batter. Take your time to make sure it mixes evenly without overworking the dough, which keeps the bars tender and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in most of the M&Ms
Reserve about half a cup of M&Ms for topping, then fold the rest (roughly 1 cup) into the dough. This creates lovely bursts of chocolate throughout your bars and integrates that fun Easter color.
Step 7: Bake and add remaining M&Ms
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the center is set. Right after removing from the oven, sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top and gently press them in so they stick beautifully while the bars cool.
Step 8: Cool and cut
Let your cookie bars cool completely before slicing. This resting time allows the bars to firm up perfectly, making clean cuts and delightful bites without crumble.
How to Serve Easter Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the cooled bars or drizzle with white chocolate for added sweetness and visual appeal. You could also add mini pastel-colored candies or edible glitter for a true Easter celebration vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair beautifully with a light glass of milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee, perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. If serving at a brunch, these bars complement fresh fruit salad beautifully, balancing indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookie bars on a decorative pastel platter or wrap individual bars in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon for gift-giving. They’re also amazing layered in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and strawberries for a show-stealing Easter dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Easter Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They stay fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, microwave a single bar for about 15 seconds or heat in a warm oven for 5-7 minutes. The chocolate melty goodness will make these bars taste freshly made again!
FAQs
Can I use different candies instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! While M&Ms add a delightful crunch and color, you can substitute with other chocolate candies, mini chocolate chips, or even Easter-themed sprinkles for a similar fun effect.
How do I make the bars more chewy?
For chewier bars, try using more brown sugar relative to white sugar (if adapting recipes) or slightly underbake them by a minute or two. The butter’s softness also contributes to chewiness, so soften it well before mixing.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two 9×13 pans. Watch the baking time closely, as it may vary slightly depending on thickness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Substituting with a gluten-free flour blend will work fine here. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to keep the texture just right.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and let the bars cool completely. For ultra-clean slices, heat the knife slightly under warm water, dry it, and then cut through the bars. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep the edges neat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easter Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe enough for your next holiday or anytime you need a cheerful, satisfying treat. It’s simple to make, colorful to look at, and absolutely delicious to eat. Don’t wait—grab those ingredients, warm up your oven, and create some joyful memories with each bite of these fantastic cookie bars!
Print
Easter Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easter Cookie Bars are a festive and colorful treat perfect for celebrating the holiday. Soft and chewy with a buttery brown sugar base, they are studded with vibrant M&Ms both inside and on top, creating a delightful texture and flavor. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a perfect dessert or snack for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups M&Ms, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking your cookie bars evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet or glass pan with foil or parchment paper, then spray it lightly with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the bars later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a fork, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until well combined and creamy, which helps create a tender texture for the bars.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to bind the ingredients and add flavor.
- Add Dry Leavening Agents: Stir in the salt and baking powder, which help the bars rise and balance sweetness.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough bars.
- Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold in 1 cup of the M&Ms to distribute the colorful candy pieces evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Add Topping: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of M&Ms on top, pressing them lightly into the warm bars so they adhere well.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil or parchment paper. Cut into 12 even bars and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to help cream it easily with the sugar.
- Pressing the M&Ms into the warm bars after baking prevents them from cracking and adds a pretty colorful topping.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- For nut allergies, ensure M&Ms are safe or substitute with allergy-friendly candy.
- Do not overbake to keep bars soft and chewy rather than dry and crunchy.
