Nothing quite compares to the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, conjuring memories of warmth and comfort. Among the many recipes cherished in my family, one stands out for its ability to bring joy with every bite: the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it was passed down from my grandmother, who would bake these delightful treats every holiday season. The combination of rich chocolate, buttery dough, and festive M&M’s creates a treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12-oz. bag)
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup red and green M&M’s
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray or butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 1 minute with an electric mixer on medium speed. The fluffy texture is key to achieving the perfect cookie bar consistency.
Incorporate Vanilla and Eggs: Add the pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. This step ensures that the wet ingredients are well combined before adding the dry ingredients.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
Add Chocolate and M&M’s: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the white chocolate chips into the cookie dough mixture. This will distribute the chocolate evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Spread the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer using a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon. The dough may seem thin if using a very large sheet pan, but it will puff up and close holes during baking.
Top with M&M’s and White Chocolate: Sprinkle the red and green M&M’s and the remaining white chocolate chips evenly over the top of the dough. Gently press them into the dough so they stick and become embedded slightly.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookie bars are cooked through and the edges are lightly browned. Depending on your oven and the size of the baking sheet, you may need to bake for up to 30 minutes. It’s important not to over bake them to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This allows them to set properly. Using a plastic knife, cut the bars into squares of your desired size. The plastic knife helps prevent sticking and keeps the bars looking neat.
Variations and Substitutions
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free chocolate chip cookie bars.
Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free butter, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Fruity Flavors: Replace M&M’s with dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a tangy twist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful baking experience. From mixing the dough to watching them bake into golden perfection, every step brings a sense of joy and anticipation. Whether shared with loved ones during the holidays or enjoyed as a comforting snack, these cookie bars embody the essence of homemade goodness. Their versatility allows for personalization to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making them a favorite in any household. So, gather your ingredients and create memories with each delicious batch of these beloved cookie bars. Happy baking!
