Indulging in a sweet treat is one of life’s simple pleasures, and what better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than with Soft M&M Cookie Bars? These delectable bars are a harmonious blend of chewy goodness, rich chocolate, and the colorful crunch of M&Ms. In this blog post, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of creating these delightful treats that are not only a joy to eat but also easy to make. From gathering the finest ingredients to perfecting the baking process, let’s dive into the art of crafting these Soft M&M Cookie Bars.
Ingredients: Crafting a Symphony of Flavors
To start our culinary journey, assemble the key players for this delightful recipe. The combination of 2 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt forms the foundation of the cookie bars. The magic begins with 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, cooled for just the right amount of time. To sweeten the deal, add 1 cup of packed light or dark brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Two large eggs, at room temperature, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract elevate the flavor profile. Finally, the pièce de résistance – 1 and 1/4 cups of mini or regular-size M&Ms and 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This symphony of ingredients sets the stage for a cookie bar masterpiece.
Instructions: A Ballet of Baking Techniques
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s waltz through the instructions to create these Soft M&M Cookie Bars. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt – in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract before combining the wet and dry ingredients. Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips, ensuring a delightful distribution throughout the dough. Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake until golden brown. After a short cool-down, adorn the bars with extra M&Ms and chocolate chips for a visually appealing finish.
Baking Tips: The Choreography of Perfection
Achieving the perfect Soft M&M Cookie Bars requires a bit of finesse. Avoid over-baking by keeping a close eye on the oven – the bars should be lightly browned on the sides and top. If browning occurs too quickly, a foil tent will come to the rescue. While the bars puff up during baking, they settle as they cool. For an extra touch, press additional M&Ms and chocolate chips into the tops of the warm bars. Allow the bars to cool for at least an hour in the pan before cutting into squares.
As the aroma of freshly baked Soft M&M Cookie Bars wafts through your kitchen, savor the anticipation of the final act. Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares. These delectable treats are now ready to be enjoyed, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Share them with friends, family, or simply savor the sweetness on your own.
