Introduction
There’s something inherently joyful about baking, especially when it comes to creating sweet treats that celebrate special occasions. These M&M’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars offer a delightful blend of nostalgia and festive cheer. Loaded with colorful Valentine-themed M&M’s and rich chocolate chips, each bite is a comforting reminder of the love that binds us together. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone, these cookie bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M’s in Valentine colors (pink, red, white)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookie bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is the warm embrace your cookie bars need for optimal baking!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream these together until the mixture is fluffy and light—this will be the foundation of your delicious bars.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that they’re fully incorporated, followed by the sweet addition of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, taking care to mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookie bars.
- Gently fold in the colorful M&M’s and rich chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed for a delightful burst of flavor in each bite.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out to ensure even baking.
- Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of festivity, consider adding a sprinkle of additional M&M’s on top just before baking. This will give your cookie bars a beautiful presentation. If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch!
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars is an essential technique that creates a light texture in your cookie bars. Be patient and make sure to beat them until fluffy. Also, folding in the chocolate chips and M&M’s gently preserves the dough’s airy quality, resulting in delightful soft bars that melt in your mouth.
FAQ
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
What should I do if I don’t have M&M’s?
You can substitute the M&M’s with other candies or even dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. They can be enjoyed later—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These M&M’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they are a celebration of love and joy! Their rich flavors, chewy texture, and pop of color make them the perfect dessert for any gathering. Whether gifting them or enjoying them with loved ones, you are sure to create sweet memories with every bar. Happy baking!