M&M’s Halloween Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These M&M’s Halloween Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the spooky season. Soft, chewy, and packed with colorful candy, they’re sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties or school events.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Halloween M&M’s (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13-inch aluminum pan with foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to make cutting easier. Generously spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating until smooth.
- Step 3: Reduce the mixer speed and add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Fold in the M&M’s and mini chocolate chips, reserving some for the topping.
- Step 4: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Press the reserved M&M’s and mini chocolate chips onto the top of the dough for an extra festive look.
- Step 5: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the foil overhang and cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
- For a festive twist, try using different themed M&M’s or other candy pieces based on the occasion.
- To make the bars extra chewy, slightly underbake by a couple of minutes and allow them to set as they cool.
- Substitute mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- Use parchment paper instead of foil if you prefer an easier cleanup and smoother surface.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to avoid the bars becoming too salty.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
With a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour replacement, these bars can be made gluten-free. Just ensure the baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
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M&M’s Halloween Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 to 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
Description
These M&M’s Halloween Cookie Bars are a festive twist on classic cookie bars, packed with colorful Halloween-themed M&M’s and mini chocolate chips in a soft, buttery base. Perfect for holiday celebrations, they combine a rich, chewy texture with bursts of chocolatey sweetness and a fun seasonal look.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Halloween M&M’S
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Topping
- Additional Halloween M&M’S (to taste)
- Additional mini chocolate chips (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch aluminum baking pan with foil, making sure to leave some overhang for easier removal and cutting. Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookie bars tender.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Fold in 1 1/2 cups of Halloween M&M’S and 1 cup of mini chocolate chips, reserving some to sprinkle on top of the dough later.
- Transfer to Pan and Add Toppings: Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Press the reserved Halloween M&M’S and mini chocolate chips onto the surface for a colorful, festive finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Spooning and leveling the flour helps avoid dense cookie bars caused by too much flour.
- Do not overbake; the cookie bars will continue to set as they cool to maintain a soft center.
- For extra festive bars, consider adding orange or black colored sugar sprinkles on top with the M&M’s.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Halloween cookie bars, M&M cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, festive cookie recipe, easy cookie bars
