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
Scale
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.
