Name: Halloween M&M Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 3/4 cup butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup Halloween M&M's

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These Halloween M&M Cookie Bars are a fun and delicious treat that will light up your spooky celebrations! Imagine biting into a soft, gooey cookie bar loaded with colorful chocolate M&M’s that pop with flavor. They’re perfect for baking with friends, sharing at parties, or even as a festive treat after a long day of trick-or-treating. The beauty of these bars lies not just in their taste but in how simple they are to whip up. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to make everyone look like a baking pro. So, why not gather your ingredients, put on your favorite Halloween playlist, and let’s bring these Halloween M&M Cookie Bars to life. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together, and your friends will love you for them!

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to these Halloween M&M Cookie Bars lies in a few simple ingredients that work together beautifully. First, the combination of melted butter and brown sugar creates a rich and chewy texture that’s simply irresistible. You’ll notice how these ingredients blend to create a wonderfully moist bar. Plus, using both an egg and an egg yolk enhances the cookie’s moisture, bringing about a perfectly soft center. This leads to that melt-in-your-mouth experience we all crave in a cookie bar.

And let’s not forget about the star ingredient—Halloween M&M’s! They add not only a festive flavor but also a splash of color and delightful crunch in each bite. The combination of these elements turns a classic treat into something special that screams Halloween cheer!

Why You’ll Love This Halloween M&M Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for the perfect sweet treat to grace your Halloween gathering, these bars are it! They’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal prep time, which means less hassle for you during those busy spooky seasons. Everyone loves a classic chocolate chip cookie, but now combine that with the festive spirit of M&M’s, and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

What’s even better is how versatile they are. You can serve them warm, fresh out of the oven, or at room temperature. They fit perfectly with various occasions, from the excitement of kids trick-or-treating to the cozy gatherings of friends. You can never go wrong with a plate of these cookie bars around!

Required Ingredients for Halloween M&M Cookie Bars

To whip up these tasty treats, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup Halloween M&M’s

Make sure to gather everything before you start—this helps the baking process go smoothly!

Preparing Your Halloween M&M Cookie Bars

Preheat the Oven

First, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 325°F. This step is crucial for even baking and ensures your cookie bars turn out perfectly. While the oven is heating, prep a 9 x 13 metal pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.

Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Next, grab a small bowl and whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. It’s important to mix them well for even distribution. This ensures that your cookie bars have the right texture throughout!

Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with both brown and granulated sugars. Beat this mixture together until it’s smooth and well-combined. Then, add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to over-mix! When the two mixtures are about halfway combined, carefully add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Halloween M&M’s. Continue folding until everything is just combined. This helps keep your cookie bars chewy and delicious.

Transfer to the Pan

Time to get those bars into the pan! Evenly press the dough into your prepared pan, taking care to ensure a uniform layer. Bake these bad boys for about 23 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The smell will be heavenly as they bake!

Add Extra M&M’s

After you’ve pulled the bars from the oven, immediately press some extra chocolate chips and Halloween M&M’s gently into the top. This not only gives them a beautiful appearance but also enhances the festive touch while they’re still warm.

Serving Suggestions

For an unforgettable dessert experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair your bars with a spooky Halloween-themed drink, like a pumpkin spice latte or even a festive punch.
If you want to impress at your Halloween party, cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters!

Tips for Success

Avoid overmixing the dough to preserve the soft and chewy texture.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares for neat slices.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep freshness intact.

Variations

Feel like mixing things up? Here are a few fun variations you can try:
– Substitute classic M&M’s for peanut butter or pretzel M&M’s for a delightful twist.
– Toss in nuts such as walnuts or pecans to add an extra crunch.
– Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for an extra special treat that will impress!

Storage Tips

To enjoy these cookie bars longer, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to preserve them even more, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use different flavors of M&M’s?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any seasonal M&M’s you prefer, like peanut butter or pretzel varieties.

2. How should I store leftover cookie bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for longer storage.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and bake it fresh when you’re ready.

4. What can I serve with Halloween M&M Cookie Bars?
They pair wonderfully with coffee, cold milk, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

5. Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll be good to go!

These festive Halloween M&M Cookie Bars are bound to bring joy to your next celebration. With their balance of chewy and crunchy, they’re sure to become a go-to treat this spooky season. Happy baking!