Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars When... You Need a Little Color in Your Life After a Dull Day. -

When you've had one of those dull days that seem to stretch on forever, Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars might just be the colorful pick-me-up you need. These bars combine a chewy cookie base with the vibrant sweetness of Skittles, creating a treat that's not only visually appealing but also uplifting. Imagine the burst of flavors and the way those bright colors can transform your mood. If you're curious about how to whip up these delightful bars or want to explore their unique history, there's more to discover that can elevate your baking game.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Baking Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars can brighten your day with vibrant colors and sweet flavors.
The chewy texture and fun Skittle pieces provide a delightful sensory experience.
Sharing these colorful bars with friends can enhance social enjoyment and lift spirits.
Customizing the recipe with different Skittle flavors allows for creative expression in baking.
Enjoying these treats in moderation offers a sweet escape from life's dull moments.

History

Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars, while a modern treat, draw on the rich history of cookie bars that date back to the early 20th century. You mightn't realize it, but these delightful bars are part of a long-standing tradition of creating portable, sweet snacks.

Originally, cookie bars emerged as a convenient way to enjoy cookies without the fuss of individual servings. As home bakers sought to simplify their dessert-making, they blended classic cookie ingredients into one cohesive dish, creating a chewy, dense treat.

Over the decades, various ingredients have been introduced, reflecting changing tastes and trends. Alongside chocolate chips and nuts, colorful candies like Skittles emerged in the candy landscape, offering a fun twist on traditional recipes.

You can see how the playful addition of Skittles captures the spirit of this evolution. Not only do these bars invite creativity in the kitchen, but they also cater to a sense of nostalgia and whimsy.

Recipe

Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars

Brighten up your day with these delightful Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars! Perfect for a pick-me-up after a dull day, these bars are bursting with color and flavor. They combine the sweetness of Skittles with a chewy cookie base, creating a treat that's both fun to look at and delicious to eat. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Making these Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars is a simple and enjoyable process. You'll be mixing together classic cookie ingredients with the vibrant flavors of Skittles, resulting in a colorful dessert that's as pleasing to the eye as it's to the palate. With just a few steps, you can have a batch of these bars ready to share or enjoy all by yourself. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a rainbow of deliciousness!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Skittles, roughly chopped
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

To prepare the Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars, you'll need to cream together the butter and sugars, then mix in the eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients before folding in the chopped Skittles and white chocolate chips. Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

When preparing these cookie bars, be mindful not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a tougher texture. You can customize the amount of Skittles based on your preference for sweetness and flavor intensity. For added fun, consider experimenting with different flavors of Skittles or mixing in other candies to create your unique version of these bars.

Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy!

While these cookie bars are undoubtedly a sweet treat, they do offer some fun benefits! The presence of Skittles introduces a variety of flavors, which can be a delightful sensory experience. Additionally, sharing these colorful bars can brighten someone else's day, contributing to social joy.

However, keep in mind that they're best enjoyed in moderation, as they're quite sweet and rich.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

Before diving into mixing your ingredients, make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.

While the oven heats up, you can gather and prepare your ingredients, which will save you time later. To preheat, simply turn your oven dial or press the button until it reaches the desired temperature. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes for the oven to reach 350°F, so it's a good idea to start this process early.

You want your oven to be hot enough to give the Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars a nice rise and chewy texture. While waiting, you can also grease your baking dish. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2. Cream Butter and Sugars

To create the perfect base for your Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars, you'll want to cream together a generous amount of softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars.

Start by placing 1 cup of softened butter into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar to the bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything's well combined. The sugars should dissolve into the butter, creating a smooth texture.

Don't rush this step; proper creaming is crucial for achieving that soft and chewy cookie bar consistency.

Once you've reached the desired creaminess, it's time to incorporate your eggs and vanilla extract.

Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined. Your mixture should look glossy and uniform.

This step lays the foundation for the delicious flavors to come, so take your time and make it perfect before moving on to the next phase of the recipe.

Step 3. Fold in Chopped Skittles

Now that your cookie dough is ready, it's time to fold in the chopped Skittles for that burst of color and flavor.

Grab a spatula and gently add the chopped Skittles to your dough. Make sure they're roughly chopped to ensure they mix well without losing their fun shapes.

Using the spatula, start at the edge of the bowl and carefully scoop the dough over the Skittles. Keep folding until the candies are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Be cautious not to overmix; you want those vibrant bits of candy to maintain their integrity and provide pops of sweetness in every bite.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also toss in some white chocolate chips at this stage for an extra layer of flavor. The creamy chocolate pairs wonderfully with the fruity Skittles, creating a delightful contrast.

Once everything's folded in, take a moment to admire the colorful dough. It's almost like a work of art!

Now you're all set for the next step, which will take your Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars from dough to delicious treat.

Step 4. Spread Mixture in Dish

It's time to transfer your colorful cookie dough into the baking dish. Grab your prepared baking dish and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray or a light coat of butter to prevent sticking. This step ensures that your delightful cookie bars come out easily once they're baked.

Using a spatula, scoop the cookie dough from the bowl and place it into the center of the dish. You'll want to spread the mixture evenly, so it bakes uniformly. Start by placing dollops of the dough across the surface, then gently push it toward the edges.

Make sure to fill in any gaps to create a smooth layer. Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect; it'll spread out as it bakes.

Once you've spread the mixture evenly across the dish, give it a final gentle pat to ensure it's nicely compact. This helps create that chewy texture you love.

Now you're all set for the next step. Your vibrant Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars are almost ready to bake, bringing a burst of color to your day!

Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and let the magic happen as the cookie bars bake. Set a timer for 25-30 minutes, but keep an eye on them as they cook. You want to achieve that perfect golden brown color on top. The edges will start to crisp up, while the center remains soft and chewy.

When the timer goes off, you can do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they're ready. If it's wet with batter, give them a few more minutes.

Once they're perfectly baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the bars to firm up a bit, making them easier to cut.

After they've cooled, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. You'll be rewarded with vibrant, chewy cookie bars that not only brighten your day but also your dessert table. Enjoy your colorful creation!

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

Enhancing your Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars can be as simple as following a few key pro tips. First, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth dough. If you're short on time, you can microwave it in short bursts, but be careful not to melt it.

When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, blend just until combined—this helps keep the bars chewy rather than tough.

Don't shy away from experimenting with your Skittle flavors! Mixing different varieties can add a fun twist to your bars. If you want extra sweetness, consider adding white chocolate chips, as they complement the tartness of the Skittles beautifully.

For even baking, spread the dough evenly in the baking dish. It might help to use a spatula to smoothen the top. Keep an eye on the baking time; start checking at the 25-minute mark, as ovens can vary.

Health Benefits

Indulging in Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars can bring a bit of joy, but they also offer some surprising health benefits. First, the colorful Skittles can provide a boost of energy. While it's true that sugar gives a quick lift, the vibrant array of flavors makes your treat more enjoyable, potentially lifting your mood.

Additionally, incorporating fresh ingredients like strawberries and mint into your diet can enhance overall well-being, as seen in refreshing drinks like Lively Strawberry Mint Holiday Water.

These cookie bars also contain butter, which, in moderation, can contribute healthy fats essential for your body. Additionally, the eggs in the recipe are packed with protein and vital nutrients like vitamin D and B12, supporting muscle health and overall well-being.

Moreover, baking at home allows you to control the ingredients, reducing preservatives and unhealthy additives often found in store-bought treats. You can even customize your bars by adding nuts or dried fruits, increasing fiber and healthy fats.

While these bars are a sweet indulgence, enjoying them in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. So go ahead, treat yourself to Skittle Rainbow Cookie Bars, knowing they can brighten your day in more ways than one!