A Sweet and Simple Treat for Any Celebration
When Easter rolls around, pastel colors, festive treats, and easy-to-make desserts are a must. Easter Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of soft, chewy texture, chocolatey goodness, and a burst of color from Easter-themed M&M’s. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly simple to prepare, making them an excellent option for busy bakers who still want to create something homemade and special.
Unlike traditional cookies that require scooping and individual baking, these cookie bars come together in one pan with minimal effort. With just five simple ingredients, this recipe offers a semi-homemade approach that still delivers homemade flavor. Whether you’re preparing a last-minute dessert for an Easter brunch, a school party, or just an afternoon sweet treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why These Easter Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try
1. Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe is perfect for busy bakers. Using pre-packaged cookie mixes eliminates the need for measuring out dry ingredients, allowing you to whip up these bars in just a few minutes. Mix, spread, bake, and enjoy—it’s that simple.
2. Perfectly Chewy with a Crispy Edge
The combination of sugar cookie mix and chocolate chip cookie mix results in the ultimate cookie bar texture. The edges bake up slightly crispy, while the center stays soft and chewy, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
3. A Versatile Dessert for Any Holiday
While these bars are perfect for Easter, they can easily be adapted for any occasion. Swap out the pastel-colored M&M’s for different varieties based on the season:
- Red and green M&M’s for Christmas
- Red, white, and pink for Valentine’s Day
- Orange and black for Halloween
- Red, white, and blue for Fourth of July
4. Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make
Since these cookie bars are super easy to prepare, they make an excellent baking project for kids. Little hands will love mixing the dough, sprinkling the M&M’s on top, and of course, taste-testing the results!
5. The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
These bars are thick, soft, and full of chocolatey goodness, making them a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether you’re bringing them to a family dinner, church event, school function, or Easter picnic, they’ll disappear fast.
Ingredients: A Perfect Blend of Convenience and Flavor
For the Cookie Bars:
- Sugar cookie mix for a soft, chewy base
- Chocolate chip cookie mix for extra richness
- Large eggs to bind the dough
- Salted butter for flavor and moisture
- Easter M&M’s for a festive, chocolatey crunch
Directions: Baking Up the Ultimate Easter Treat
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- Mix the Dough: Whisk the cookie mixes together, then beat in the eggs and softened butter until a smooth dough forms.
- Fold in the Fun: Stir in most of the Easter M&M’s, reserving some for topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the dough evenly in the pan and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares for the perfect chewy texture.
Nutritional Highlights: A Treat Worth Savoring
- Calories: ~349 per serving
- Carbohydrates: ~46g
- Fat: ~17g
- Sugar: ~30g
- Protein: ~3g
Expert Tips for the Best Cookie Bars
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures even incorporation and prevents clumps in the dough.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
While it might be tempting to keep mixing, overmixing can result in tough cookie bars. Stir until just combined for a soft and chewy texture.
3. Line Your Baking Pan for Easy Removal
Lining your baking pan with parchment paper or foil makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled. This results in cleaner cuts and less mess.
4. Watch the Baking Time Carefully
Ovens vary, so start checking your cookie bars at the earlier end of the baking time. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and slightly pulled away from the pan, while the center is set but still soft.
5. Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Slicing
While it’s tempting to cut into the bars right away, letting them cool completely in the pan ensures they firm up properly, making slicing easier and cleaner.
Fun Ways to Customize These Cookie Bars
1. Mix and Match Cookie Flavors
While this recipe uses sugar cookie mix and chocolate chip cookie mix, you can experiment with different combinations:
- Peanut Butter Cookie Mix + Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix for a peanut butter twist
- Double Chocolate Cookie Mix + Sugar Cookie Mix for an extra rich flavor
- Oatmeal Cookie Mix + Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix for a chewy, hearty option
2. Add Extra Mix-Ins
Want to take these bars to the next level? Try adding:
- White chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch
- Shredded coconut for a tropical twist
- Sprinkles for an extra festive touch
3. Serve with a Topping
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a bakery-style look
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make These Cookie Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These bars store well and can be made 1-2 days in advance. Simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.
2. How Should I Store Leftover Cookie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to one week.
3. Can I Freeze These Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
4. Can I Use Different Candy Instead of M&M’s?
Yes! If you don’t have M&M’s, try substituting:
- Chopped peanut butter cups for a nutty flavor
- Crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream variation
- Mini chocolate chips for a classic cookie taste
5. What’s the Best Way to Cut Clean Squares?
For perfectly clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each slice. You can also refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before cutting to firm them up.
6. Can I Use Homemade Cookie Dough Instead of Mixes?
Yes! If you prefer a from-scratch approach, you can use your favorite homemade sugar cookie and chocolate chip cookie dough recipes. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Easter Treat
These Easter Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and festive charm. With just five ingredients, they come together effortlessly while still delivering a homemade taste and bakery-style texture.
Whether you’re making them for Easter brunch, a spring gathering, or just because, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with so many ways to customize and experiment with flavors, you can make them again and again, switching things up for every holiday or occasion.
So, next time you’re craving a sweet, colorful, and easy-to-make treat, give these Easter Cookie Bars a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Festive Easter Cookie Bars: A Quick and Colorful Dessert
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
Description
These Easter Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat—soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness! Made with a combination of sugar and chocolate chip cookie mixes, these bars are a quick and easy dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for Easter gatherings, school parties, or a sweet weekend treat, these cookie bars are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 package sugar cookie mix
- 1 package chocolate chip cookie mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup Easter M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar cookie mix and chocolate chip cookie mix. Add eggs and softened butter, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Fold in the Fun: Gently stir in most of the Easter M&M’s, reserving some for topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares for the perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to one week.
- Freezing: Wrap cooled bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Customization: Swap M&M’s for different seasonal candies, add white chocolate chips, or mix in chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Cutting Tip: For clean slices, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before cutting and wipe the knife clean after each cut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
