Craving a sweet treat that's ridiculously easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further than these amazing M&M Cookie Bars! Forget complicated baking – this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's a fantastically quick dessert, ideal for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. These bars are the perfect blend of chewy, crunchy, and bursting with colorful M&Ms – guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms candies (plain, peanut, or a mix!)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out easily. This is a simple but crucial step for easy serving and cleanup.
Prepare the crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust.
Make the filling:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted and evenly distributed.
Assemble and chill:
- Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Sprinkle the M&Ms generously over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm. This allows the chocolate to fully set, resulting in perfectly formed bars.
Serve and enjoy:
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy this simple, delicious treat!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars:
- Use good quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the taste!
- Don't over-melt the chocolate: Microwave in short bursts to prevent seizing.
- Press the crust firmly: This ensures a solid base for your delicious bars.
- Chill thoroughly: Patience is key for perfectly set bars.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts would add a delightful crunch.
- Use different M&Ms: Experiment with different colors or flavors of M&Ms.
- Add a drizzle: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an extra touch of elegance.
- Make it festive: Use holiday-themed M&Ms for special occasions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use an online nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients. However, expect these bars to be relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar due to their nature as a dessert treat.
This recipe is a quick and easy way to create a delicious and satisfying dessert. These M&M Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort – the perfect combination for busy cooks!