Cookie Bars
These festive cookie bars are made with a rich, buttery dough and filled with Easter M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Baked in a 9×13-inch pan, they emerge soft and tender with a gently set center and plenty of chocolate in every bite.
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Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter melted and allowed to cool to room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Easter M&M’s plus extra for the top
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips plus extra for the top
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips plus extra for the top
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving enough excess on the sides to lift the bars out later. Coat the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the melted, cooled butter into the bowl of a stand mixer along with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract while the mixer is running. Continue beating until the wet ingredients are thoroughly blended into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing only until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the Easter M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips, holding back a small portion of each for the surface.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Press the reserved candies and chocolate pieces over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bars are set and lightly golden without becoming too dark. Take care not to overbake so the center stays soft.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the foil overhang, then slice into squares or rectangles.
Notes
Lining the pan with foil and leaving an overhang makes removal much easier after cooling.
A generous coating of nonstick spray helps ensure clean release.
For the best texture, remove the bars once they are set but still soft in the center.