Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe Introduction to Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars There’s something magical about baking that brings back memories of childhood. The aroma of cookies wafting through the house, the excitement of licking the spoon, and the joy of sharing treats with family. These Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars capture that nostalgia perfectly. They’re not just delicious; they’re a quick solution for those busy days when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. With vibrant colors and a delightful taste, these bars are perfect for any festive occasion, making them a must-try for your next gathering! 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 home cook. They come together in just 45 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. The combination of chewy cookie texture and bursts of chocolatey goodness is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring smiles all around. Who wouldn’t love a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? 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 leavening agent helps the bars rise, giving them that perfect texture. Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors. Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, making the bars tender. Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar brings a deep, caramel-like flavor and chewiness. Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a nice crust. Large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor, making it irresistible. Red and blue M&M candies: These colorful candies not only add sweetness but also a festive touch. White chocolate chips: Creamy and sweet, they complement the M&Ms beautifully. For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the M&Ms for chocolate chips or your favorite nuts. You can find the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing! How to Make Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Trust me, this step is a game-changer! Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour. It’s crucial for achieving that perfect texture in your cookie bars. Set this mixture aside for now; it’ll come into play soon! Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, which gives your cookie bars that delightful chewiness. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen! Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Next, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to create a smooth batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The sweet scent of vanilla will make your mouth water, and it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Your batter is coming together beautifully! Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s ready to embrace those colorful M&Ms. The anticipation is building, and you’re almost there! Step 6: Fold in M&M’s and Chocolate Chips Gently fold in the red and blue M&M candies along with the white chocolate chips. This is where the fun begins! The vibrant colors will make your cookie bars pop, and the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for a delightful surprise in every bite! Step 7: Spread and Bake Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it’s level. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be heavenly! Step 8: Cool and Cut Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes them easier to handle. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into bars and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness you’ve created. Your friends and family will be impressed! Tips for Success Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with sugars. Don’t overmix the dough; it should be just combined for soft bars. For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract. Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Equipment Needed 9×13-inch baking dish: A standard size for cookie bars; you can use a glass or metal dish. Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy for mixing ingredients. Electric mixer: Great for creaming butter and sugars; a whisk works too, but takes longer. Spatula: Essential for spreading the dough evenly in the baking dish. Wire rack: Perfect for cooling the bars; a plate can work in a pinch. Variations Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat. Dark Chocolate Twist: Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Fruit Infusion: Mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity burst. Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs as a substitute for regular eggs. Serving Suggestions Pair these Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Serve with a tall glass of cold milk to enhance the sweetness of the bars. For a festive touch, arrange the bars on a colorful platter with fresh berries. Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat. FAQs about Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, ready to impress your guests! What can I substitute for M&Ms? If you’re not a fan of M&Ms, feel free to swap them out! Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped dried fruits work wonderfully. Get creative with your favorite flavors! How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking? Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars are ready to come out of the oven! Can I freeze these cookie bars? Yes, you can freeze them! Once cooled, cut the bars and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftover Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! Final Thoughts Creating these Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars is more than just baking; it’s about crafting memories. The vibrant colors and delightful flavors bring a festive spirit to any occasion, making them a joy to share with family and friends. Each bite is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, like laughter around the table and the warmth of togetherness. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual get-together, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of baking, and let these bars bring smiles to your loved ones! Print clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Delight! 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews Author: Bella Total Time: 45 minutes Yield: 12 servings 1x Diet: Vegetarian Print Recipe Pin Recipe Description Delicious Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookie Bars perfect for festive occasions. Ingredients Scale 1x2x3x 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, packed ½ cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup red and blue M&M candies 1 cup white chocolate chips Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the red and blue M&M candies and white chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. Notes For a festive touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. You can substitute the M&M candies with chocolate chips or your favorite nuts for a different flavor profile. Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 30 minutesCategory: DessertMethod: BakingCuisine: American Nutrition Serving Size: 1 bar Calories: 250 Sugar: 15g Sodium: 150mg Fat: 12g Saturated Fat: 7g Unsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 32g Fiber: 1g Protein: 3g Cholesterol: 30mg