Introduction
Nothing says love quite like freshly baked cookies, especially when they come in the form of delightful M&M’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars. These sweet treats are perfect for sharing with your loved ones, friends, or even just to enjoy yourself! With rich, chewy cookie bars loaded with vibrant chocolate chip M&M’s, they present a colorful and delicious way to celebrate the season of love. Let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chip M&M’s
- Additional M&M’s for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cookie bars come out easily.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, emitting a sweet aroma.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the heavenly scent of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—they want to be soft and chewy!
- Gently fold in the chocolate chip M&M’s, making sure each piece is nestled within the dough. Save a handful for the topping!
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently to create an even layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved M&M’s on top of the cookie dough, allowing their colors to pop out.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then cut into bars and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!
Notes or Tips
For extra flavor, feel free to add a handful of nuts or swap in your favorite chocolate candies! These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—though they may not last that long!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is perfect for novice bakers as it requires minimal techniques. The key to achieving the best texture is ensuring your butter is softened to room temperature, making it easier to cream with the sugars. Mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately helps ensure an even distribution of flour, resulting in perfectly blended cookie bars. Lastly, remember to let them cool before cutting for the best results!
FAQ
Can I use different types of M&M’s? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with peanut butter M&M’s, mini M&M’s, or any other favorite variety you enjoy.
Can I freeze these cookie bars? Yes! You can freeze the baked bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Conclusion
These M&M’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars are not only easy to make but also bring joy with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one or simply indulging as a treat yourself, these colorful bars are sure to brighten up any day. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious morsel!