Bake Up Some Fun: Colorado’s Easy M&M Cookie Bars Recipe for Every Sweet Tooth

Photo bySimply Homemade Recipes

Colorado is known for its breathtaking mountains, outdoor adventures, and now, the perfect sweet treat to fuel those activities – Easy M&M Cookie Bars! Whether you're gearing up for a hike or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon, these cookie bars are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that everyone will love.

The colorful mix of M&Ms and chocolate chips adds a fun and playful twist to a traditional cookie recipe. Each bite offers a delightful combination of crunch and gooey sweetness, making it an irresistible option for kids and adults alike. Baking these treats is a breeze, and the reward is a batch of perfectly chewy, flavorful bars that will have everyone coming back for more.

The Heart of Colorado in Every Bite

Colorado has a rich tradition of creating food that balances taste and ease, and these M&M Cookie Bars are no exception. They reflect the state’s love for combining hearty ingredients with a splash of fun, echoing the laid-back, yet adventurous spirit found in the Rockies. When you make these bars, you’ll feel like you’re baking right in the heart of Colorado, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

The recipe itself is straightforward, requiring only a few simple ingredients and steps. The result is a delicious treat perfect for any occasion – be it a family gathering, a snack for a weekend hike, or a colorful addition to your next celebration. Let's dive into how you can make this crowd-pleaser!

Recipe: Colorado-Inspired Easy M&M Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ cup M&Ms
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Gently fold in the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips, making sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently with a spatula.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake – you want the bars to remain chewy and soft in the center.
8. Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.

These cookie bars are the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat with minimal effort. The crunchy M&Ms and melty chocolate chips make each bite a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Enjoy the Sweet Rewards

Whether you’re snacking at home or packing them for an outdoor adventure, these Colorado-inspired Easy M&M Cookie Bars are sure to become a family favorite. The rich, buttery dough combined with the crunch of M&Ms and the smoothness of chocolate chips creates a treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

As the weather changes, and cozy moments become more frequent, there's nothing like a homemade treat to share with friends and loved ones. These bars, bursting with sweetness and color, are a perfect way to bring the joy of baking into any day.

Here's the recipe for Easy M&M Cookie Bars with inspiration from multiple sources to ensure your bars turn out soft, chewy, and packed with delicious chocolatey goodness.

These cookie bars are perfect for those looking for a simple treat that satisfies a sweet tooth while requiring minimal effort. The colorful M&Ms add a fun, crunchy texture, while the mini chocolate chips provide gooey richness in every bite.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ cup M&Ms
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish lightly and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips.
5. Bake: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden brown. The center should still be soft for that gooey texture.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. This step ensures the bars hold their shape when cut.

These M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of buttery softness and crispy edges. The M&Ms add bursts of color and crunch, while the chocolate chips melt to create that gooey texture we all love. Whether for a family gathering, lunchbox treat, or a quick dessert fix, this recipe is a surefire hit.

Tips:

• Don’t overbake to keep the bars chewy and moist. Check the bars at the 20-minute mark and remove them when the edges turn golden.
• You can store these cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer freshness.

Enjoy baking and indulging in these easy, colorful treats that capture the spirit of homemade goodness!

For further details, you can check out sources like Sally's Baking Addiction, Tastes Better From Scratch, and Cookies and Cups​(Tastes Better From Scratch)​(Sally's Baking Addiction)​(Cookies and Cups).