Indulge in the deliciousness of these Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars! These bars are a perfect combination of rich brown butter, chocolatey M&M’s, and gooey chocolate chips, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The rich flavors of brown butter and chocolate create a decadent taste that will leave you craving more.
- These cookie bars are easy to make and require minimal prep time, making them perfect for when you need a quick and delicious dessert.
- They are great for meal prep and can be stored for several days, so you can enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
Base Ingredients:
- Salted butter: Adds a rich and nutty flavor to the bars.
- Dark brown sugar and granulated sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a chewy texture.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the bars.
- All-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt: Create the base of the cookie dough.
Mix-ins and Toppings:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Add extra chocolatey goodness to the bars.
- Christmas M&M’s: Bring a festive touch with their colorful candy shell.
- Hershey’s Milk chocolate kisses, halved: Provide a melty surprise in every bite.
- Flaky sea salt: Adds a hint of saltiness to balance out the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by browning the butter in a saucepan until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma.
- Mix the brown butter with the sugars until well combined, then add in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add it to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and halved Hershey’s kisses until evenly distributed.
- Spread the dough into a prepared baking dish, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and bake until golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a gooey center, slightly underbake the bars and let them cool completely before cutting.
- Customize the mix-ins with your favorite candies or nuts.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker bars.
- Experiment with different M&M flavors for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions:
These Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep the bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter and simply adjust the amount of salt in the recipe. - Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - Can I substitute the M&M’s with other candies?
Feel free to mix and match candies to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Don’t miss out on the deliciousness of these Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars! Whip up a batch for your next gathering or simply treat yourself to a sweet indulgence. Share your feedback and enjoy every bite of these delectable cookie bars.
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Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavor of brown butter with these delicious M&M cookie bars, topped with chocolate chips, M&M’s, and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s (or more as desired)
- 10–12 Hershey’s Milk chocolate kisses, halved
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Brown Butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the brown butter with sugars, then mix in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix until combined.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips and M&M’s. Press the dough into a baking pan, and top with halved chocolate kisses.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with your favorite candies or nuts.
- For a gooey center, slightly underbake the bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg