If you’re looking for a festive, colorful treat to brighten up your spring gatherings, this Easter Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Each bite is a perfect balance of buttery cookie dough and bursts of pastel M&M’s and chocolate chips that create a playful texture and irresistible flavor. These bars are not only incredibly easy to make but also bring a cheerful vibe to your dessert table, making them ideal for Easter celebrations or any time you want a little sweet joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easter Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in building the perfect texture, sweetness, and that eye-catching spring color that makes these bars so special.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
- Light brown sugar, 1/2 cup, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that complements the chocolates.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Brings a touch of sweetness and helps with structure.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds moisture for that chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: The base of the cookie dough, giving structure and bite.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft, tender texture.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
- Pastel M&M’s, 1/2 cup: The star of the show, bringing festive color and crunchy pops.
- Mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup: Adds bursts of melty chocolate with every bite.
- White chocolate chips, 1/4 cup: Offers a creamy, sweet contrast to the darker chocolates.
- Extra M&M’s and sprinkles for topping (optional): For that final touch of whimsy and extra color on top.
How to Make Easter Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This step ensures your cookie bars come out clean and beautiful, ready to be sliced perfectly after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates your dough and creates that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness we all crave in cookie bars.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor depth, making sure each bar is rich and satisfying. Make sure to mix until well combined for a uniform dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough, critical for balanced flavor and texture.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the bars tough, so stop when you no longer see flour.
Step 6: Fold in Colorful Candies
Fold in the pastel M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. This is where the Easter Cookie Bars Recipe really starts to come alive, with delightful pockets of chocolate and a festive splash of colors that make every bite feel like a celebration.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan. For an extra pop, gently press some extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center has just set. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing – this will help them hold their shape and give you clean cuts every time.
How to Serve Easter Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra pastel M&M’s or bright Easter-themed sprinkles on top just before serving for an added festive touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also make them look even more inviting and spring-ready.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easter Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their sweet richness. Fresh strawberries or a simple fruit salad also serve as a refreshing contrast to the buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these bars into bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter at your Easter brunch or wrap individual bars in colorful wax paper tied with twine for delightful homemade gifts. You could even serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making any afternoon feel like a cozy celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easter Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them covered ensures they stay soft and chewy rather than drying out.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw them overnight at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you like your bars with a warm center, gently reheat them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This simple touch brings back that fresh-baked feeling that’s absolutely irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of pastel ones?
Absolutely! Regular M&M’s will work just fine if you don’t have pastel ones on hand. The only difference is in the color palette; the taste and texture remain just as delightful.
How do I make these bars chewier?
For chewier bars, try slightly underbaking them by a couple of minutes and then letting them cool completely in the pan. This technique helps retain moisture and softness.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a binding agent for the best texture.
Is there a way to make these bars dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavor should still be rich and satisfying.
How should I cut the bars to get perfect squares?
Using a sharp knife and slicing the bars when they’re completely cooled results in cleaner cuts. You can even warm the knife slightly under hot water and dry it off before cutting for smoother edges.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Cookie Bars Recipe is genuinely a joy to make and even more fun to share. With its simple ingredients and irresistible colors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any holiday gathering. I can’t wait for you to bake these and see how they brighten your table and your mood!
Print
Easter Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Easter Cookie Bars featuring a buttery base loaded with colorful pastel M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Perfectly soft and chewy, these bars are an ideal holiday dessert that’s simple to prepare and sure to please any sweet tooth during spring celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pastel M&M’s
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- Extra M&M’s and sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes of beating.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in candies and chips: Gently fold in the pastel M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Transfer and decorate: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. If desired, press extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top to add festive decoration.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 23 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars to prevent crumbling and to let flavors set.
Notes
- You can substitute pastel M&M’s with any colorful candy to match different holiday themes.
- For chewier bars, bake for the lower end of the time range and cool completely in the pan without removing early.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
