Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars

Posted on April 12, 2025

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Presenting Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars—a treat bursting with incredible flavor! These bars boast a rich caramel taste from the brown butter, studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and festive red and green M&M’s. Enjoy them straight from the oven or warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible indulgence!

Reasons to Adore This Recipe:

  • Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and infused with a delightful nutty caramel flavor.
  • They’re incredibly easy to whip up!
  • Perfect for the holiday season, these bars make a decadent treat.
  • With a slightly crispy edge and a gooey center, every bite is pure bliss.
  • Sprinkle some sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor explosion.
  • Indulge in them warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly experience!
  • Browning the butter adds just a few extra minutes to prep but elevates the flavor significantly.
  • These cookie bars require no chilling and are ready in under an hour.

Helpful Tips and Tricks:

  • Browning the butter takes around 5-8 minutes but adds immense depth of flavor to the bars.
  • Smacking the pan halfway through baking brings out air bubbles, resulting in a chewy and dense texture.
  • Feel free to add extra holiday M&M’s and chocolate chips on top before baking.
  • For a delightful sweet and salty contrast, sprinkle the baked bars with a touch of sea salt!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Can I make these gluten-free?
    While all-purpose flour works best, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s in a 1:1 ratio.
  • Can I use oats or oat flour?
    Though untested, oats or oat flour may work well in this recipe.
  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
    Use vegan holiday M&M’s or UNREAL colored candies. Flax eggs may be a suitable replacement for eggs, although untested.

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Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars

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Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup browned grass-fed unsalted butter
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups holiday M&M’s (reserve some for topping)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Brown the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, simmer for 3-5 minutes until it turns brown with a nutty aroma.
  3. In an electric mixer, combine brown butter and coconut sugar. Mix for 1-2 minutes on medium speed.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk until fully combined.
  5. Switch to a paddle attachment and add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips until fully incorporated.
  7. Press dough into the prepared pan and top with more holiday M&M’s. Bake for 17 minutes, then gently smack the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes.
  9. Let cool for 30 minutes, then slice into 12 squares and enjoy!

Notes

  • Browning the butter enhances the flavor significantly.
  • Smacking the pan halfway through baking ensures a chewy texture.
  • Feel free to add extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top.
  • Sprinkle baked bars with sea salt for a sweet and salty twist!

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