Headed to a holiday picnic today and still not sure what to bring? These Red, White & Blue M&M Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect thing! Simple, quick and easy, you still have time to whip up a batch this morning so they’ll be ready for the festivities this afternoon!
When I’m headed to a party and I’m not sure what to bring, I always choose an appetizer or a dessert. Many starters and sweets can easily blend with whatever else the hosts may be serving. And having extra options at the beginning and end of the party can never hurt!
It’s also fun to make something that will coordinate with a theme. I’m so excited to serve these Red, White & Blue M&M Chocolate Chip Bars at our 4th of July picnic! (They would also be great for Memorial Day!) Cookie bars are so easy to make and such a time saver. Just a few minutes to mix up the dough, then spread it all in the pan at once…no messing around with dropping individual cookies.
A Tip!
Switch these up by using holiday themed candy to match your event. M&Ms and other brands make candy in colors to match almost any holiday!
This is a two bowl recipe. In the first bowl, sift together the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda and salt. Then in the second bowl, cream together with an electric mixer the butter, vanilla, brown sugar, white sugar and eggs. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix to combine. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
Spread the cookie dough in a prepared 9×13 pan (either spray with cooking spray or line the pan with parchment so you can easily lift out the baked cookie) and sprinkle some extra M&Ms on top and lightly press them down. Bake at 350°F for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool and then slice into bars. You can make them as big or small as you like. I usally like the size you get when you slice them 8 by 5.
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 c. butter (2 sticks), softened
- 3/4 c. granulated sugar
- 3/4 c. packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extra
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocoalte chips
- 1 cup M&Ms, plus more for sprinkling
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spray with cooking spray or line with parchment (so you can easily lift out the baked cookie.)
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together with an electric mixer the butter, vanilla, brown sugar, white sugar and eggs.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix to combine.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&Ms.
- Spread the cookie dough in a prepared 9×13 pan and sprinkle some extra M&Ms on top and lightly press them down.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool and then slice into bars. You can make them as big or small as you like. I usally like the size you get when you slice them 8 by 5.
I never think to make bars! I also go the “normal” route and bake cookies! This are going on my list and I’ll just throw in traditional cookies!
Aaaaaw I love sweet thongs. Great idea!!
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try this recipe!!
Excellent recipe and tip! Just by changing the colors of the chips you can have Halloween bars, Christmas bars and more!
This look like sweet, delicious freedom!
These cookies looks so yummy! Love the colors and the recipe looks pretty simple to make. I’ll bookmark it for later. Happy 4th of July to you!
These look delicious and quick and easy to make! Definitely a great last minute idea for today’s party 🙂 Thanks!
Yummy! These are on my “to make” list now!
These look so yummy! Thanks for sharing.