Chocolate chip cookie bars are one of the easiest desserts you can make. Add in pink and red M&M’s, and you’ve got the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert.
While I love baking from scratch, sometimes you just need something quick and foolproof and these chocolate chip cookies bars are exactly that. I’ve made them for Christmas with sugar cookie batter and other occasions like potlucks and they are always a hit. You an easily customize them for any holiday by swapping in seasonal M&M’s or colored sprinkles to match the theme.
There’s nothing really complicated about this recipe. It’s as simple as stirring the dough together, baking it in one pan and slicing into bars. They’re perfect when you’re short on time, need a last-minute dessert, or want something that feeds a crowd without extra work.
If you like this easy cookie recipe, also try my classic chocolate chip cookies or my strawberry pretzel fluff for even more quick sweet ideas.
Jump to:
Valentine Cookie Bar Ingredients
- Flour: use all-purpose flour for best results
- Butter: unsalted, melted and cooled
- Sugar: Both brown sugar and granulated sugar is used for this recipe
- Eggs: 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk only
- Chocolate chips: regular, mini or chunks will work
- M&M’s: Valentine colors of pinks, reds and whites
- Will also need: salt, baking soda and vanilla
How to Make Cookie Bars
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease or line a 9 x 13 with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the sugar, brown sugar and melted butter until smooth. Then add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients with wet ingredients. Then fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms, do not overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden on top. Let cool completely and cut into squares.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Don’t overbake, slightly underbaked bars stay soft and chewy.
- Swap Valentine M&Ms for holiday colors to make year-round.
- Use peanut butter chips in place of chocolate chips for a peanut butter taste.
- For thicker bars, use a 8×8 pan and add a few extra minutes of bake time.
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, these cookie bars are great for making a day in advance. Cover or store in an airtight container at room temperature until serving.
No chilling required. This recipe is meant to be quick and easy.
Recipe
M&M’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 12 tbs unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk only
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups Valentine M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease or line a 9 x 13 with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the sugar, brown sugar and melted butter until smooth. Then add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients with wet ingredients. Then fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms, do not overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden on top. Let cool completely and cut into squares.
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
Leave a Reply