Easter M&M Cookie Bars

These Easter M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat for your holiday celebrations. With their vibrant colors from Easter candies and a delightful chewy texture, these bars bring joy to any gathering. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply enjoying at home. The combination of yellow cake mix with chocolate chips and M&M candies makes them a unique addition to your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Using yellow cake mix makes this recipe simple and fast, perfect for busy bakers.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Treat: These cookie bars are great for various occasions, from Easter celebrations to everyday snacks.
• Chewy Texture: Bake them just right, and you’ll enjoy perfectly chewy bars that melt in your mouth.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out by mixing in the M&Ms and enjoying the colorful results.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents the cookie bars from sticking to the dish, ensuring easy removal.
• 9×13 inch casserole dish: Provides ample space for baking the bars evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly while keeping everything organized.

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 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 Ingredients

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: Transfer to Dish

Spread the cookie bar dough evenly into your prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake

Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; look for lightly golden edges with a center that is just set. Don’t overbake if you want them chewy!

Step 5: Cool Before Cutting

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 perfect for any festive gathering. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or enjoy them with family, these cookie bars can be paired with a variety of treats and drinks to enhance their deliciousness.

With Ice Cream

• Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair your cookie bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in flavors and temperatures.
• Drizzle of Chocolate Syrup: Add a swirl of chocolate syrup on top for extra sweetness and a gourmet touch.

With Milk

• Glass of Cold Milk: The classic combination of warm cookie bars and cold milk is truly satisfying. It helps balance the sweetness.
• Flavored Milk Alternatives: Try serving with flavored milks like chocolate or strawberry for a fun twist.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include Other Desserts: Create a dessert platter that features your Easter M&M Cookie Bars alongside brownies, cheesecakes, or fruit tarts to offer variety.
• Decorate with Fresh Fruits: Adding fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries can give the platter a refreshing touch.

How to Perfect Easter M&M Cookie Bars

To ensure your Easter M&M Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the eggs and baking supplies, are fresh to achieve the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently combine ingredients to avoid tough bars. Overmixing can lead to dry cookie bars.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Letting the cookie bars cool in the pan allows them to set properly, making cutting easier and cleaner.

Best Side Dishes for Easter M&M Cookie Bars

Complement your Easter M&M Cookie Bars with delicious side dishes that can elevate your dessert table. Here are some tasty ideas.

1. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
2. Mini Cheesecakes: These bite-sized treats offer creamy richness that pairs well with the chewy texture of the cookie bars.
3. Spring Vegetable Platter: Include colorful raw veggies with a dip for crunch and a healthier option alongside sweet desserts.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruits or pretzels into melted chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.
5. Cupcakes: Offer assorted cupcakes in similar colors as the M&M candies for visual appeal and varied flavors.
6. Brownie Bites: Rich brownie bites provide another chocolatey treat that complements the cookies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easter M&M Cookie Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always make sure your oven reaches the right temperature before putting in your cookie bars.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the bars dense and tough. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan for better slicing.

• Using Expired Ingredients: Old cake mix or eggs can affect taste and texture. Check expiration dates before you start baking.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science! Use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts to ensure consistent results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Easter M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easter M&M Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Label with a date so you know when they were frozen.

Reheating Easter M&M Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.

• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!

• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for around 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! You can substitute yellow cake mix with chocolate, vanilla, or any flavor of your choice for unique variations.

How do I make these Easter M&M Cookie Bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Easter M&M Cookie Bars, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.

Can I customize the candies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out Easter M&Ms for any seasonal candy you like, such as jellybeans or seasonal chocolates.

How should I store leftover cookie bars?

Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Easter M&M Cookie Bars are not only simple but also incredibly delightful. Their colorful appearance makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, while their easy preparation invites customization. Experiment with different candies or add nuts for extra crunch! Give this recipe a try and enjoy a festive treat that everyone will love!