Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars

There’s something magical about cookie bars that brings back memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. These Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a celebration in every bite! Perfect for those busy days when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want to impress your loved ones, these cookie bars are a quick and delightful solution. Trust me, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars

These Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars are a game-changer for any dessert lover. They come together in just 40 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. The combination of chewy cookie texture and colorful M&M’s creates a visual feast that tastes as good as it looks. Plus, they’re versatile enough to suit any occasion, from Fourth of July celebrations to casual family dinners. You’ll find yourself making these again and again!

Ingredients for Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie bars, providing structure and chewiness.
• Baking soda: This little leavening agent helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, making the bars tender.
• Brown sugar: Packed for that deep, caramel-like flavor and chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges.
• Large eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Red, white, and blue M&M’s: The star of the show! These colorful candies add fun and a burst of chocolate.
• White chocolate chips: For an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Feel free to get creative! You can swap the M&M’s for chocolate chips or nuts if you prefer. For a festive touch, consider adding sprinkles on top before baking. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars

Creating these Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookie bars bake evenly. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to cut those bars!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agent evenly. Set this mixture aside for now; it’ll come into play shortly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter, making those cookie bars delightfully chewy!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars. You want that perfect chewy texture, so be gentle!

Step 6: Fold in M&M’s and Chips

Now comes the fun part! Fold in the red, white, and blue M&M’s along with the white chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the color and sweetness come alive!

Step 7: Spread and Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be golden brown while the center remains soft.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re cool, cut them into squares and serve. Watch as everyone dives in for a taste of these festive treats!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overbake! For chewy bars, take them out when the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
• Let the cookie bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner squares.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
• Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or other chocolate varieties for a unique twist.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for baking the cookie bars. A glass or metal pan works well.
• Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars a breeze. A whisk can work too!
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading the dough evenly in the pan.
• Wire rack: Ideal for cooling the cookie bars after baking.

Variations

• Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Lovers: Swap the red, white, and blue M&M’s for your favorite chocolate chips, like dark or milk chocolate.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookie bars gluten-free.
• Vegan Twist: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan butter.
• Fruit Infusion: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity burst.

Serving Suggestions

• Ice Cream: Serve warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Fresh Berries: Pair with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing touch.
• Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an eye-catching finish.
• Drinks: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a refreshing lemonade to balance the sweetness.

FAQs about Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars

Can I use regular M&M’s instead of red, white, and blue?

Absolutely! While the festive colors are perfect for celebrations, regular M&M’s work just as well. The taste will remain delicious, and you can enjoy these cookie bars any time of the year.

How do I store leftover cookie bars?

To keep your Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your batter!

Can I add more mix-ins to the cookie bars?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate chips. Just remember to keep the total amount of mix-ins balanced so the bars bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

Making these Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories. The joy of pulling a warm batch from the oven, the vibrant colors, and the sweet aroma filling your kitchen all contribute to a delightful experience. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a weekend treat, these cookie bars bring smiles to faces young and old. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and oh-so-delicious. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and let the good times roll!

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