Chewy Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars

$To make chewy brown butter M&M cookie bars, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 large egg yolk - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup M&M's chocolate candies (plus extra for topping) - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra chocolatey flavor) Each of these ingredients plays a key role. The brown butter gives a rich, nutty flavor. The sugars help create a chewy texture that you will love. Eggs add moisture and bind everything together. The flour, baking soda, and salt provide the base for the bars. M&M's and chocolate chips add fun and sweetness. If you need to substitute an ingredient, here are some ideas: - Use salted butter instead of unsalted for extra flavor. - Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a different taste. - For a lighter option, you can use half the amount of granulated sugar. - If you need a vegan version, try using a flax egg instead of eggs. - Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. These swaps will change the flavor and texture a bit, but they can still work well. Feel free to experiment! Always use fresh ingredients for the best results. Check your butter for any off smells or discoloration. Make sure your eggs are within the sell-by date. Fresh flour should feel light and not clumpy. Store M&M's in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh. Using high-quality ingredients helps your cookie bars taste amazing. The better the ingredients, the better your bars will be! To brown butter, start with unsalted butter. Use a medium saucepan and melt it over medium heat. Stir it often. Keep an eye on it. Soon, it will turn golden brown. You will smell a nutty aroma. This means your butter is ready. Remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit. Cooling helps prevent the eggs from cooking when you mix them in. In a large bowl, mix the brown butter with both sugars. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat them well. You want a smooth and creamy texture. Then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until it is fully blended. This step is key for a soft and chewy cookie bar. Make sure no lumps remain in your batter. After mixing your wet ingredients, it’s time to add the dry ones. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together. Slowly mix this into the wet batter. Do not overmix; just combine until you see no flour. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in your M&Ms and chocolate chips. Use a spatula to fold carefully. This keeps the candy intact and ensures even distribution. To get that perfect chewy texture, start with brown butter. Brown the butter slowly. This gives it a rich flavor and adds moisture to the dough. Use one cup of brown sugar. This sugar helps to keep the bars moist and chewy. You can also add an extra egg yolk for more richness. This simple tip makes a big difference in texture. For even cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly. Use a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. Spread the dough evenly in the pan. Press it down firmly but gently. This helps the bars cook evenly without creating air pockets. Keep an eye on them while baking. The edges should be lightly golden, while the center should look set but soft. If your cookie bars come out too dry, check your flour measurement. Too much flour can lead to dryness. Use the spoon and level method for measuring. If they spread too much in the oven, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the bars hold their shape. For undercooked centers, bake a few extra minutes. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chocolate in these cookie bars. Try using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. It adds a rich taste. You could also mix in white chocolate for a fun twist. If you want a crunch, add crushed nuts or toffee bits. Experimenting with different candies keeps the bars exciting! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure the flour blend includes xanthan gum for texture. If you want a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water to make one flax egg. These swaps help you enjoy the bars without compromise. You can make these cookie bars festive with seasonal flavors. In fall, add pumpkin spice or chopped pecans. For winter, mix in peppermint extract and crushed candy canes. In spring, consider lemon zest for a fresh twist. Each season brings new chances to flavor your bars with seasonal delights! To keep your chewy cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This way, they stay soft and delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To freeze your cookie bars, first let them cool completely. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature. To reheat your cookie bars, place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up and make them soft again. If you want a little crispness, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes. Enjoy that fresh-baked taste! If you don't have brown butter, you can use regular unsalted butter. Simply melt it in a saucepan. To mimic that nutty flavor, add a bit of extra vanilla or a pinch of salt. While it won't be the same, your cookie bars will still taste great. Brown butter does add a unique taste, so try it when you can. Yes! You can switch the M&Ms for other candies or nuts. Try chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or even dried fruit. The goal is to have fun and create your own twist. Just keep the total amount of add-ins similar to the recipe. This way, your cookie bars will still bake perfectly. These cookie bars last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying again! This blog post covered all you need to create delicious cookie bars. We talked about choosing the best ingredients and making perfect brown butter. I shared tips to get chewiness and even baking. You also learned how to store your treats for freshness. In the end, enjoy being creative with flavors and mix-ins. With these steps, you'll bake amazing cookie bars each time. Simple choices make great snacks!$

Chewy Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars

Indulge in the ultimate dessert with these chewy brown butter M&M cookie bars! Packed with the rich flavor of browned butter and vibrant M&M's, this easy recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a treat, these cookie bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies. Ready to bake something delicious? Click through to explore the full recipe and create your own batch today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup M&M's chocolate candies (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra chocolatey flavor)

Instructions

Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir frequently until it turns a golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix the Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until well mixed.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this into the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold in the M&M's and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Spread the Dough: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle additional M&M's on top for decoration if desired.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 12-16 bars