Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

These Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are a delightful treat perfect for celebrating any occasion, especially the 4th of July. Bursting with colorful M&M’s and chocolate chips, these cookie bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Their vibrant colors and rich flavors make them a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookie bars in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of M&M’s and mini chocolate chips creates a sweet and satisfying treat.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Their festive colors make them an ideal dessert for holidays, parties, or gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or allow them to cool for a chewy snack later.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create these tasty cookie bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9×13 aluminum baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Nonstick cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing ingredients effortless and ensures everything is combined thoroughly.
• Baking dish: A 9×13 dish is the ideal size for baking cookie bars evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookie bars.

Ingredients

These easy cookie bars loaded with Red, White and Blue M&M’S and mini chocolate chips are the perfect 4th of July Dessert.

For the Cookie Base

• 2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of firmly packed golden brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt

For the Mix-ins

• 1 1/2 cups of Red (White & Blue M&M’S, plus more for topping)
• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

How to Make Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a 9×13 aluminum baking dish with foil, leaving some overhang. This will help you remove the cookie bars easily once they’re baked. Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until fluffy and well combined.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is incorporated smoothly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Lower the speed of your mixer. Gradually add in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in M&M’s and Chocolate Chips

Add in the Red (White & Blue M&M’S) and mini chocolate chips. Stir gently by hand, reserving some for topping later.

Step 7: Transfer Dough to Baking Dish

Transfer your cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Press additional M&M’S and mini chocolate chips into the top of the cookie dough for an extra pop of color.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.

Step 10: Cool and Cut

Once baked, let your cookie bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

Enjoy making these festive Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars, perfect for any gathering or celebration!

How to Serve Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

These delightful cookie bars are perfect for any gathering, especially during celebrations like the 4th of July. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Individual Dessert Plates

• Arrange a single cookie bar on a decorative plate. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for a delicious contrast.

Ice Cream Sundae Style

• Cut the cookie bars into smaller squares and layer them in a bowl with scoops of your favorite ice cream. Top with chocolate or caramel sauce and extra M&M’S for a festive look.

Picnic Treats

• Pack individual squares of cookie bars in wax paper for easy transport. They make great handheld treats for picnics or outdoor gatherings.

Party Platter

• Create a dessert platter by combining cookie bars with other desserts like brownies and fruit tarts. This variety will please all guests.

Kid-Friendly Snack

• Serve small squares on colorful plates at children’s parties. Pair them with milk or juice boxes for a fun treat that kids will love.

How to Perfect Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in your cookie bars is simple with a few helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a fluffy texture when creaming with sugars, leading to softer cookie bars.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined after adding flour and baking soda to keep the bars chewy rather than tough.

• Chill the dough (optional): If time permits, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavors and improve texture.

• Check doneness carefully: Bake until the edges are golden brown but the center looks slightly underbaked; it will continue cooking as it cools.

• Cut when cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges and perfect squares.

Best Side Dishes for Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

Pairing delicious side dishes can elevate your dessert table. Here are some excellent choices that complement their sweetness.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing; its creaminess balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars perfectly.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – Light and refreshing, this adds a burst of flavor and color to your dessert spread.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – These add an elegant touch while enhancing chocolate flavors present in the cookie bars.
4. Whipped Cream – A dollop on top adds lightness and richness, making each bite even more indulgent.
5. Milkshakes – Offer chocolate or vanilla shakes for a fun beverage option that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
6. Cheesecake Bites – These small treats provide a creamy contrast to the dense cookie bars while being easy to serve at gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the butter temperature: Using cold butter will lead to dense cookie bars. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can make your bars tough. Mix just until combined for a tender result.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your bars. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cookie bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.
• Forgetting to line the pan: Skipping this step can make it hard to remove the cookie bars. Always line your baking dish with foil for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place bars in for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat a single bar on high for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars.

How do I store Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I use different types of M&M’s?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with any color or flavor of M&M’s that you prefer.

What is the best way to cut the cookie bars?

Use a sharp knife and let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares for clean cuts.

How can I make these cookie bars more festive?

Consider adding sprinkles or using colored chocolate chips that match your holiday theme!

Final Thoughts

These Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. They are perfect for any celebration and can easily be customized with different chocolates or mix-ins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a sweet treat that everyone will love!