M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars When... Your Idea of Fruit Intake Is Colored Sugar Candies! -

You might find yourself questioning the nutritional value of M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars when your idea of fruit intake is limited to colorful sugar candies. While these bars offer a playful take on dessert, blending chewy oats with vibrant M&M's, it's worth considering what this means for your overall diet. Are these treats merely a sugary indulgence, or do they provide any real benefits? The answer might surprise you, as there's more to these cookie bars than meets the eye. Let's explore what makes them an intriguing option in the realm of snacks.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars offer a fun twist on fruit intake by incorporating fruity M&M's for a colorful and tasty dessert option.
The bars blend oats and sugar candies, making them enjoyable while still providing some fiber from the oats.
These cookie bars can be a playful way to introduce kids to baking and the concept of mixing flavors.
They serve as a reminder that colorful treats can still be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Consider adding dried fruits to the recipe for added nutritional value and to enhance the fruity flavor profile.

History

The origins of M&M's date back to the 1940s when Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie, the sons of the founders of Mars Company and Hershey Chocolate, respectively, collaborated to create a new candy. They aimed to produce a chocolate treat with a hard candy shell, making it more durable and resistant to melting. This innovation was particularly appealing during World War II, as soldiers craved chocolate but needed something that could withstand the heat.

M&M's quickly gained popularity, and by 1941, they were introduced to the public. The iconic "M" stamped on each piece ensured that customers recognized the brand.

Over the years, M&M's evolved, with various flavors and colors added to the lineup. The brand became synonymous with fun and creativity, leading to a massive cultural presence.

Through clever marketing and memorable slogans, M&M's turned into more than just a candy; they became a staple in celebrations, parties, and everyday snacking.

Today, you can find M&M's in countless forms, including the chewy fruity cookie bars that blend the classic candy with a chewy cookie texture, making them an irresistible treat for every occasion.

Recipe

M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of chewy goodness and colorful fun. These bars aren't only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them an excellent choice for a quick dessert or a sweet treat for parties and gatherings. The vibrant M&M's provide a burst of fruity flavor, while the oats add a satisfying texture that makes each bite enjoyable.

With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch that's sure to please both kids and adults alike. For a comforting drink to enjoy alongside these bars, consider a Nutty Almond Vanilla Tea Infusion that combines health benefits with delightful flavors a nourishing choice.

To create these delightful cookie bars, you'll start by preparing your baking dish and mixing together the wet and dry ingredients. The process is straightforward: cream the butter and sugars, add the eggs and vanilla, then combine with the flour mix and fold in the oats and M&M's. Bake until golden brown, and you'll have a chewy, fruity treat ready to be enjoyed.

These cookie bars can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 cup 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
2 cups M&M's (preferably fruity variety)
1 cup rolled oats

To make M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually combine with the wet ingredients.

Fold in oats and M&M's, spread into the baking dish, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

When preparing these cookie bars, avoid overmixing the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients to prevent tough bars. For an extra fruity flavor, consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top after cooling for an added touch of sweetness.

While M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars are a treat, they can also provide some health benefits. The oats add dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. Additionally, the use of dried fruits can introduce vitamins and antioxidants, making these bars a more wholesome option compared to traditional cookies.

However, moderation is key, as the bars still contain sugar and should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

Before you dive into mixing up the ingredients for your cookie bars, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.

While the oven heats up, you can gather your ingredients and get everything ready for mixing.

Take a moment to check if your oven rack is in the middle position, as this is the ideal spot for baking. If you need to, adjust the rack to make sure it's centered.

Once you set the temperature, turn on the oven and let it warm up. Most ovens take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the desired temperature, so don't rush this step.

While you wait, you can prepare your baking dish by greasing it to prevent sticking. This'll make it easier to cut your cookie bars later.

Keep an eye on the oven's preheating indicator, and once it signals that it's ready, you can start mixing your ingredients without any delay. This way, you'll have a seamless baking experience and delicious results!

Step 2. Cream Butter and Sugars

To achieve that perfect chewy texture, you'll need to cream together the softened butter and sugars until they're light and fluffy.

Start by placing 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat them together for about 2-3 minutes. You'll notice the mixture becoming pale and airy, which is exactly what you want.

Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything blends evenly. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, contributing to that delightful chewiness.

Once your butter and sugars are well combined, it's time to add in the eggs—beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that added depth of flavor.

This step is crucial, as the creaming process not only sweetens your cookie bars but also sets the stage for the other ingredients to come together beautifully.

Enjoy the anticipation of those chewy, fruity cookie bars ahead!

Step 3. Combine Dry Ingredients Thoroughly

With the wet ingredients ready, it's time to focus on the dry components. Grab a separate bowl and measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

It's crucial to ensure these ingredients are well-combined, as it helps create a uniform texture in your cookie bars. Use a whisk or a fork to mix the flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. This process aerates the flour, which makes your bars lighter and chewier.

Once you've mixed the dry ingredients, gradually add them to your wet mixture. Do this slowly to avoid clumping and ensure everything blends smoothly. Stir gently but thoroughly; you want the dry ingredients to disappear into the wet ones, creating a cohesive batter.

Keep an eye on the texture—too much mixing can lead to tough cookie bars, so just mix until you see no dry flour.

Once combined, you'll have a beautiful, cohesive batter ready for the next steps. Remember, achieving the right balance in this stage is key to the final product, so take your time and enjoy the process!

Step 4. Fold in Oats and M&M's

Now that your wet and dry ingredients are combined, it's time to fold in the oats and M&M's. Grab a spatula and gently incorporate the rolled oats into your batter. Make sure to do this carefully; you don't want to overmix, as that can toughen your cookie bars. The oats will add a nice chewy texture, making each bite a little heartier.

Next, it's time for the colorful M&M's! Add the fruity variety for an extra burst of flavor and eye-catching appeal. Sprinkle them into the bowl and fold them in gently, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

This step is crucial because you'll want a delightful mix of oats and M&M's in every bite. You might want to reserve a few M&M's to sprinkle on top before baking for that extra pop of color and sweetness.

Just remember, the key here is to be gentle. Folding helps maintain the airy texture of the batter while ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Once you've successfully folded in the oats and M&M's, you're ready to move on to the next step!

Step 5. Spread Batter Evenly in Dish

Once your oats and M&M's are gently folded into the batter, it's time to spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Grab a spatula and scoop the batter out of the bowl. Start in the center of the dish and work your way toward the edges. This method helps prevent any big clumps from forming, ensuring an even distribution.

As you spread, aim for a uniform layer that fills the corners of the dish. Don't worry if it looks a bit messy at first; you can always smooth it out as you go. If the batter sticks to your spatula, lightly grease it with a bit of cooking spray or butter to make the process easier.

Once you've got the batter evenly spread, give it a gentle shake to settle it into place. This helps eliminate any air pockets that might affect the texture of your cookie bars.

Now you're ready to pop the dish into the oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy the anticipation as your delicious M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars start to take shape!

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

Achieving the perfect M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars hinges on a few essential tips that can elevate your baking game. First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps create a creamy texture when you cream it with the sugars.

Next, don't overmix the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookie bars, so mix just until you see no dry flour. For a refreshing twist, consider incorporating a splash of Joyful Cranberry Coconut Water Infusion to the batter for a subtle fruity flavor that complements the M&M's perfectly.

If you're looking to boost the fruity flavor, consider adding some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots alongside the M&M's. This addition not only enhances the taste but also adds a lovely texture contrast.

For a fun twist, try mixing in different varieties of M&M's, like peanut or almond, to surprise your taste buds.

When it comes to baking, keep an eye on the timer. Every oven is different, so check for that golden brown color around the edges after about 20 minutes.

Lastly, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting; this makes slicing easier and helps maintain their chewy texture. Enjoy your delicious creations!

Health Benefits

While enjoying the delightful taste of M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars, you might be pleased to know there are some health benefits to consider.

First off, these bars include oats, which can provide you with a good dose of fiber. Fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly and may contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like Sweet Maple Cinnamon Tea Infusion alongside your cookie bars can enhance your breakfast experience with comforting flavors.

The fruity M&M's add a burst of color and flavor, and while they're primarily sugar, they also contain small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants from the fruit flavors. Pairing these with the whole grains from the oats means you're getting a bit of nutritional variety in your treat.

Moreover, baking at home allows you to control the ingredients. You can substitute or add healthier options like nuts or dried fruits, boosting the nutrient profile without sacrificing taste.

Finally, indulging in a sweet treat occasionally can be part of a balanced diet, satisfying your cravings and keeping you motivated to stick to healthier choices overall.