M&M’s Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars

When you think about desserts that combine nostalgia and modern flavors, M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars might come to mind. These bars aren't just a treat; they're a versatile option for any gathering, from casual family get-togethers to bake sales. You'll appreciate how easy they are to whip up, and the chewy texture paired with fruity candies adds a unique twist. But what if there are ways to elevate this already satisfying dessert even further? The next part might just surprise you with some creative tips and variations.

Key Takeaways

• M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars combine classic cookie flavors with chewy textures and vibrant M&M's and fruity gummy candies.
• The recipe requires simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare for various occasions and last-minute desserts.
• Bake the bars at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown for the best results.
• Customize the bars by adding different candies or nuts, and consider drizzling melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
• Enjoy the bars in moderation, as they contain high sugar content, but they provide protein and healthy fats from eggs and butter.

History

M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars have become a popular treat, particularly at bake sales and family gatherings. You might be wondering how these colorful delights came to be a staple in so many homes. Well, it all started with the classic M&M's, which have been around since the 1940s. Their vibrant colors and crunchy shells made them an instant hit, and people began to experiment with different ways to incorporate them into desserts.

As time went on, bakers combined the iconic M&M's with chewy fruity candies, creating a fun twist that excited both kids and adults. The chewy texture paired with the rich flavors of cookies brought about a delightful balance that's hard to resist. Envision biting into a warm bar, where the chocolate melts in your mouth while fruity bits surprise your taste buds—pure magic, right?

These cookie bars became a go-to recipe for those needing a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. You can whip them up for a last-minute gathering or a cozy weekend treat.

Recipe

M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars are a fun and colorful treat that combines the classic flavors of cookies with a chewy texture and vibrant candies. These bars aren't only a hit with kids but are also sure to please adults, making them perfect for parties, bake sales, or just an afternoon snack.

The chewy bits of fruity candies alongside the chocolatey M&M's create a delectable experience that's both visually appealing and delicious.

Preparing these cookie bars is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making them an excellent choice for a last-minute dessert. Whether you're looking for a sweet indulgence or a snack to share with friends, this recipe is easy to customize. Try adding your favorite nuts or varying the types of candies to make it your own!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup M&M's candies
• 1 cup fruity gummy candies, chopped

To make these delicious cookie bars, you'll need basic baking ingredients along with M&M's and fruity gummy candies to create a uniquely sweet treat.

When preparing M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars, be certain to let the bars cool entirely in the pan before cutting them into squares to guarantee they hold their shape. Experiment with different varieties of M&M's or fruity candies for a personalized touch, and consider drizzling melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.

If you find the bars are too sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to balance the flavors.

While these cookie bars are a sweet treat, they can also provide energy from the sugars and carbohydrates, making them an enjoyable snack option. Additionally, you can add nuts for a boost of protein and healthy fats.

Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, as they're rich in sugars and should be considered an occasional indulgence!

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

Before you immerse yourself in making your M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars, preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial. Trust me, you don't want to start mixing your yummy ingredients only to realize your oven is still cold—it's like waiting for a bus that never comes! So, go ahead and set that temperature while you gather your other ingredients.

As the oven warms up, you can take a moment to get everything ready. Envision the sweet smell of cookies wafting through your kitchen; it's enough to make anyone's mouth water! Preheating the oven not only guarantees your bars bake evenly, but it also helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color we all love.

While you're waiting, why not think about the fun variations you might try? Maybe some crunchy nuts or different M&M's flavors? That's the beauty of these cookie bars—they're super customizable!

Once your oven reaches the magic number, you'll be all set to plunge into the mixing and blending that'll turn your ingredients into a delicious treat. So, let that oven do its thing, and get ready for some baking fun!

Step 2. Cream Butter and Sugars

To achieve that delightful texture in your M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars, you'll need to cream the butter and sugars together until they're light and fluffy. This step is super important, as it helps create that melt-in-your-mouth consistency we all love!

So, grab your softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a mixer, or even a sturdy spatula if you're feeling adventurous, blend them together. You want to mix until it looks pale and airy—about 3 to 5 minutes should do the trick.

As you're creaming, take a moment to enjoy the sweet smell wafting from your bowl; it's like a sneak peek of the deliciousness to come!

Once it's light and fluffy, it's time to add in those eggs and vanilla extract. Mix it all up until everything's combined nicely—this is where the magic starts to happen.

Step 3. Fold in Candies Gently

Once your cookie dough is ready, it's time to fold in the vibrant M&M's and chopped fruity candies. This part is super fun and a bit like adding confetti to a party—who doesn't love a pop of color?

Grab a spatula, and gently scoop up the dough from the bottom of the bowl before folding it over the candies. You want to be careful here; we're not trying to send our candies flying into outer space!

Just a few gentle turns will do, ensuring those delicious M&M's and fruity bits are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Envision this: each bite will be bursting with chewy, fruity goodness and crunchy chocolatey joy.

Once you've folded in the candies, you'll be tempted to sneak a taste—go ahead, we won't tell! Just remember, the real magic happens when you bake them.

Step 4. Spread Batter in Pan

Now that you've folded in the M&M's and fruity candies, it's time to spread the batter in your prepared baking pan. Grab your trusty spatula, and let's get to work!

Start by dolloping the batter right in the center of the pan. You'll want to carefully push it out towards the edges, making sure it's even and smooth. Trust me, a little effort here goes a long way for those gorgeous cookie bars!

As you spread, don't worry if it's not perfect. These bars are meant to be fun and a little messy—just like baking with friends! You can even use the back of a spoon to gently coax the batter into the corners, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Oh, and if you find it sticky, a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray on your spatula can help a ton!

Once it's all spread out, take a moment to admire your colorful masterpiece. It's almost time for the magic to happen in the oven!

But first, let's make sure it's all even, so every piece is just as delicious as the last. Ready for the next step? Let's go!

Step 5. Bake for 25-30 Minutes

With the batter evenly spread in the pan, it's time to pop it into the oven. Set your timer for 25 to 30 minutes and get ready for the delicious aroma that'll soon fill your kitchen.

As your cookie bars bake, you might find yourself dancing around a little, imagining how tasty they'll be. You'll want to keep an eye on them, though—everyone's oven can be a bit different!

When they start to turn a lovely golden brown, that's your cue to check for doneness. Just gently press the center with a finger; if it springs back, they're ready. If not, give them a few more minutes.

The excitement builds as you wait, and trust me, the wait is worth it!

Once they're out of the oven, resist the urge to indulge right away. Let them cool in the pan for a bit. This will help them set up perfectly for slicing.

I know it's tough, but a little patience goes a long way. You'll be rewarded with perfect, chewy bars that are simply irresistible! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

Baking M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you follow these pro tips to guarantee success.

First off, make sure your butter is softened but not melting—this helps your cookie bars get that perfect chewy texture. When mixing your ingredients, don't rush! Cream the butter and sugars together until it's light and fluffy; this is key for that delicious melt-in-your-mouth experience.

If you want to add a bit of flair, get creative with the candies! You can swap out M&M's for your favorite chocolate or use different fruity gummies to match the season. Just remember, the more colorful, the better!

Another tip? Don't skip the cooling step. Let those bars cool entirely in the pan before slicing. It might be tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, patience is a virtue here!

If you find your bars are a bit too sweet, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking—it balances the flavors beautifully.

Health Benefits

While M&M's Chewy Fruity Cookie Bars are undeniably a treat, they can also offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

First off, the bars include eggs and butter, which provide protein and healthy fats. Protein's awesome for muscle repair and keeps you feeling full, so you won't be raiding the snack cabinet later!

Plus, the fruity candies add a bit of fruit goodness, giving you a hint of vitamins and antioxidants.

Now, let's be real—these bars are still a dessert, and that means they should be enjoyed in moderation.

But when you take a moment to savor that chewy texture and mix of flavors, you're also treating yourself to a little joy.

Baking can be a fun way to spend time with friends or family, creating memories that are just as sweet as the bars themselves.