These Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings a festive flair to any occasion. Perfect for the 4th of July, these cookie bars are bursting with vibrant colors and flavors. The combination of M&M’S and mini chocolate chips makes them irresistibly tasty. Easy to prepare, they are great for gatherings, picnics, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The colorful Red, White & Blue M&M’S make these cookie bars visually stunning.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these treats in no time.
• Shareable Size: Cut into bars, they are perfect for sharing at parties or family events.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite chocolates or nuts for a personal touch.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love both making and eating these delicious cookie bars!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9×13 aluminum baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes it easy to combine ingredients thoroughly without much effort.
• Baking dish: Ensures even baking and easy serving of your cookie bars.

Ingredients

These easy cookie bars loaded with Red, White and Blue M&M’S and mini chocolate chips are the perfect 4th of July Dessert.

For the Cookie Bars

• 2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of firmly packed golden brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of Red (White & Blue M&M’S, plus more for topping)
• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

this recipe

How to Make Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a 9×13 aluminum baking dish with foil. Leave some overhang on the sides; this will help you lift out the cookie bars later. Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. This step helps incorporate air for lighter bars.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Continue to mix until well combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your bars soft.

Step 6: Incorporate Chocolates

Fold in the Red, White & Blue M&M’S and mini chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. Reserve some M&M’S and chocolate chips for topping later.

Step 7: Transfer Dough to Baking Dish

Spoon the cookie dough into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Press additional M&M’S and mini chocolate chips into the top of your cookie dough for an extra delightful look.

Step 9: Bake

Place in preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

Step 10: Cool and Cut

Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

How to Serve Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

These delightful Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, especially festive celebrations like the 4th of July. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even better.

Individual Portions

• Serve each cookie bar cut into squares for easy handling and enjoyment.
• Place them in colorful cupcake liners for a festive touch at gatherings.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Pair a warm cookie bar with a scoop of vanilla or patriotic-themed ice cream.
• Press the cookie bars together with ice cream for a delicious treat.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie bar before serving.
• Garnish with additional M&M’S for added color and crunch.

Festive Platter

• Arrange cookie bars on a red, white, and blue platter for a stunning presentation.
• Add fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries around the bars for decoration.

Party Favors

• Package individual cookie bars in clear bags tied with red or blue ribbon.
• Perfect as sweet take-home treats for guests at your celebration!

How to Perfect Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

To ensure your Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter – This helps achieve a light and fluffy mixture when creaming with sugars.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mix just until combined after adding flour; this keeps the bars soft and chewy.
• Adjust baking time – Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary. A toothpick should come out clean but moist.
• Cool completely – Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before cutting to ensure neat squares.
• Add more toppings – For extra flair, sprinkle additional M&M’S or chocolate chips on top just before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

These cookie bars pair wonderfully with several side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider!

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic addition that balances the sweetness of the cookie bars perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a healthy contrast to the rich dessert.
3. Patriotic Berry Parfait
   Layers of yogurt, strawberries, and blueberries create a colorful side that matches your theme.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   These sweet treats can enhance the chocolate flavor in your cookie bars while adding elegance.
5. Lemonade
   A cool glass of lemonade refreshes your palate after enjoying sweet cookie bars.
6. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the desserts.
7. Popcorn Bar
   Offer flavored popcorn varieties like caramel or cheese as a fun and crunchy side option.
8. Mini Fruit Tarts
   These provide sweetness with a fruity twist and are visually appealing alongside your cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect cookie bars.

• Not Using Room Temperature Butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with the sugars, leading to dense bars. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much once you add the flour can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the Baking Spray: Not greasing your baking dish can result in sticking. Always use nonstick cooking spray on your foil lining for easy removal.
• Not Pressing in Toppings: Failing to press extra M&M’s and chocolate chips into the top can result in uneven topping distribution. Be generous when pressing them in for a beautiful finish.
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Baking for too little or too long can ruin your bars. Aim for a golden brown edge and a slightly soft center for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 5 days in the refrigerator.
• For best taste, place parchment paper between layers of cookie bars.

Freezing Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Place a bar in the skillet and cover it with a lid, warming it for 1-2 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars special?

These cookie bars are festive and colorful, perfect for celebrations like the 4th of July. The combination of M&M’s and mini chocolate chips adds delightful textures and flavors.

Can I customize my Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! You can swap out regular chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or even add nuts for extra crunch. Feel free to get creative!

How do I ensure my cookie bars are chewy?

To maintain chewiness, avoid overbaking them. Look for slightly underbaked centers that will firm up as they cool.

Can I use different types of M&M’s?

Yes, you can use any color or flavor of M&M’s you like! This allows you to adapt the recipe for different holidays or occasions.

What should I serve with these cookie bars?

These cookie bars pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Feel free to add fresh berries on the side!

Final Thoughts

Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing and perfect for any gathering. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!