Easter M&M Cookie Bars

These delightful Easter M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Combining a rich yellow cake mix with vibrant Easter candies and chocolate chips, these bars are not only easy to make but also sure to impress family and friends. Whether for an Easter brunch, a spring gathering, or just a festive treat, these cookie bars bring joy and sweetness to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, this recipe is quick and easy, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert without fuss.
• Colorful & Festive: The bright colors of Easter M&M candies make these bars visually appealing, perfect for adding a cheerful touch to your holiday table.
• Chewy Texture: These cookie bars maintain a chewy consistency that everyone loves, making them hard to resist after the first bite!
• Versatile Treat: While ideal for Easter, these cookie bars can be enjoyed year-round by substituting seasonal candies.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their rich flavors and delightful texture, these bars are sure to disappear at any gathering, making them a favorite among guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Easter M&M Cookie Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring cups
• Whisk or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch casserole dish: Perfect size for baking cookie bars evenly while providing enough space for rising.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps in easily combining ingredients without spills.
• Spatula: Essential for spreading the batter evenly and ensuring no mixture is left behind.

Ingredients

These festive Easter M&M Cookie Bars combine yellow cake mix with colorful Easter candies and chocolate chips for an easy and delicious holiday treat.

For the Cookie Bars

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Easter M&M candies
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Easter M&M Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well blended. The mixture will be thick and sticky. Gently fold in the colorful Easter M&M candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bars

Spread the cookie bar dough evenly into your prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Don’t overbake if you want them chewy!

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up properly. Once cooled, slice into squares and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Easter M&M Cookie Bars

Easter M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can brighten up any gathering. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your dessert table even more festive.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookie bars on a colorful platter. This adds an inviting touch and makes it easy for guests to grab one.

Ice Cream Topping

• Serve warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melting ice cream pairs perfectly with the chewy texture.

Holiday Gift Boxes

• Package individual cookie bars in decorative boxes or bags as sweet gifts for friends and family. This makes for a thoughtful gesture during the holiday season.

Milk Pairing

• Offer a glass of cold milk alongside the bars. The classic combination enhances the rich flavors of chocolate and candy.

Easter Treat Table

• Create a themed dessert table with other Easter treats. Include bunny-shaped cookies or decorated cupcakes for an extra festive look.

How to Perfect Easter M&M Cookie Bars

To ensure your Easter M&M Cookie Bars are always a hit, follow these simple tips for perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality chocolate chips enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold in the candies and chips to avoid tough bars.
• Check for doneness early: Ovens vary, so check your cookie bars a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
• Cool completely: Allowing them to cool fully helps set the bars, making cutting easier and cleaner.
• Add toppings: Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Easter M&M Cookie Bars

Pair these delightful cookie bars with some complementary side dishes for a complete dessert experience. Here are some tasty ideas:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookie bars nicely.

2. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites offer a rich contrast, perfect for those who love creamy desserts.

3. Carrot Cake Cupcakes
   These moist cupcakes bring a traditional Easter flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolatey cookie bars.

4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
   These bite-sized treats add elegance and a burst of fruity flavor alongside your cookies.

5. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
   A slice of this cake brings tropical sweetness that complements the festive nature of your dessert table.

6. Peanut Butter Cookies
   Enhance the chocolate experience by adding classic peanut butter cookies, creating a delightful variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easter M&M Cookie Bars can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan is essential. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier without falling apart.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookie bars. Just combine until everything is blended; a few lumps are okay!
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Precision is key when baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements to avoid altering the texture.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (177°C) before baking. An incorrect temperature can result in uneven cooking or dryness.
• Neglecting to check for doneness: Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges and just set in the center—not overbaked!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Easter M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easter M&M Cookie Bars

• To freeze, cut the cookie bars into squares and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easter M&M Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat a single bar on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Easter M&M Cookie Bars are done?

The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I customize my Easter M&M Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips, or even include different holiday-themed candies.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookie bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I use another type of cake mix?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix! Chocolate or vanilla would work well as alternatives.

How long do these cookie bars last?

When stored properly, Easter M&M Cookie Bars can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

Easter M&M Cookie Bars are not only festive but also versatile and easy to make. Perfect for holiday gatherings or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these cookie bars can be customized with your favorite candies. Give this delicious recipe a try and enjoy every colorful bite!