Red White Blue Cookie Bars

Introduction

Are you looking for the perfect patriotic treat for your next celebration or get-together? The Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars are a festive dessert that will impress your guests. Combining soft and chewy cookie dough with colorful red, white, and blue M&M’s, they add cheer and flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or simply enjoying a vibrant dessert, these cookie bars are simple to make and absolutely delicious!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– Two and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
– One teaspoon of baking soda
– Half a teaspoon of salt
– One cup of unsalted butter, softened
– Three-quarters cup of granulated sugar
– Three-quarters cup of packed light brown sugar
– Two large eggs
– Two teaspoons of vanilla extract
– One and a half cups of red, white, and blue M&M’s, plus extra for topping
– Half a cup of mini chocolate chips (optional)

Prep Time

The preparation process for the cookie bars is simple and takes approximately 15 minutes. Preparing the rich and flavorful dough involves mixing the ingredients, arranging the M&M’s, and ensuring every piece is filled with festive goodness.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cookie bars bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. In total, this recipe takes roughly 40 to 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 12 to 16 bars, depending on how large you cut them. Perfectly portioned for sharing at any event!

“`html

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Add the M&M’s

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of red, white, and blue M&M’s using a spatula or wooden spoon. If desired, reserve about 1/4 cup of M&M’s for topping.

Step 7: Spread the Dough into the Pan

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan using a spatula. Press the reserved M&M’s lightly onto the surface of the dough for a decorative topping.

Step 8: Bake the Cookie Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper (if used) to remove the entire block from the pan, then slice into squares or rectangles as desired.

Notes

Note 1: Adjusting for Other Seasonal Colors

You can make these cookie bars for any season by replacing the red, white, and blue M&M’s with other festive-colored candies.

Note 2: Storage Suggestions

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Note 3: Adding Extra Toppings

Sprinkle additional M&M’s or chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Note 4: Pan Size Variations

For thicker bars, use a smaller pan (such as 8×8 or 9×9-inch) and extend the baking time slightly. For thinner bars, use a larger pan, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Note 5: Preventing Overbaking

Cookie bars continue to set as they cool, so it’s best to remove them from the oven when the center is just barely set to avoid overbaking.
“`

Cook Techniques

Mixing the Dough Properly

To achieve the ideal texture, ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy, then incorporate the eggs and vanilla before adding the dry ingredients gradually.

Using the Correct Pan

Use a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal and to avoid sticking. Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure uniform baking.

Adding M&M Candies

Gently press the red, white, and blue M&M candies into the dough after it is spread in the pan. This ensures the candies sit visibly on the bars after baking.

Monitoring Baking Time

Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. Bake at 350°F until the edges are lightly golden, but the center should still appear slightly under-baked for a soft texture.

Cooling and Cutting

Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan before cutting. This prevents crumbling and helps the bars set properly.

FAQ

Can I use different types of M&M candies for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the red, white, and blue M&M candies with other varieties or colors to match different themes or holidays.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

No, refrigeration is not required for this recipe. The cookie bars turn out well without chilling the dough.

Can I use a smaller baking pan?

Using a smaller pan is not recommended as it may alter the baking time and result in unevenly baked cookie bars.

How long do these cookie bars stay fresh?

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the pan with non-stick cooking spray, although parchment paper is the preferred method for easy removal.

Conclusion

These Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars are a festive and easy dessert choice that perfectly embodies the spirit of celebration. With their soft and chewy texture paired with the crunch of M&Ms, they are a delightful treat for any patriotic holiday or family gathering. Simple to prepare yet so visually appealing, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Enjoy a rich combination of creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips baked into easy-to-make dessert bars.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars

For a healthier option, opt for chewy oatmeal cookie bars packed with juicy raisins and a hint of cinnamon.

Double Chocolate Brownie Bars

If you love chocolate, these fudgy double chocolate brownie bars are a decadent treat you can’t resist.

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars

Bright and colorful, sprinkle-filled sugar cookie bars are a festive addition to any celebration.

Classic Blondies

A buttery, caramel-like dessert bar, blondies are a great base to add mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate chips.

Trail Mix Bars

Combine dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips into a wholesome, chewy bar for an anytime snack.

Lemon Blueberry Bars

For a fruity option, try the tangy and sweet combination of lemon and blueberries baked into a soft bar.

S’mores Bars

Bring the campfire indoors with irresistible s’mores bars made with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate.