Name: Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars: 12 Festive Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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

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Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars bring a festive twist to classic cookie bars with rich, nutty browned butter and vibrant holiday M&M’s. These bars are soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, making them an ideal treat for sharing during the holiday season. With the delightful combination of flavors and textures, they’re bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter M&M Cookie

This Brown Butter M&M Cookie recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making these bars:

Rich, nutty flavor from browned butter enhances the taste.
Soft and chewy texture ensures a delightful bite.
Vibrant M&M’s add color and fun to the bars.
Easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Great for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime.

Recipe allows for variations, making it customizable.

These bars are a great example of a M&M chocolate chip cookie recipe that takes classic flavors to the next level. Plus, they fit perfectly into the American cuisine, appealing to those who enjoy baked goods.

Ingredients for Brown Butter M&M Cookie

Gather these items:

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
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

How to Make Brown Butter M&M Cookie Step-by-Step

Step 1: Add the butter to a skillet over medium heat and cook, swirling occasionally, until it starts to brown and smell nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the browned butter to a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill slightly but not solidify.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the slightly chilled browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, mixing until just incorporated.
Step 4: Gently stir in the Christmas M&M’s. Then, scoop out about 1 cup of the cookie dough and set it aside. Stir the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the remaining dough and press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Take the reserved portion of dough and press it gently on top of the base layer to mostly cover. Add any additional M&M’s on top if you like.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the bars are golden brown on the edges but still slightly soft and doughy in the center.
Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately arrange the halved Hershey’s Milk chocolate kisses evenly over the top of the bars. Return the pan to the oven for 1-2 minutes, just until the chocolate kisses gently melt.
Step 8: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm cookie bars. Serve warm for a soft, melty treat or allow to cool completely before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars: 12 Festive Treats - Brown Butter Mandm Cookie - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter M&M Cookie

Keep these in mind:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Always let the browned butter cool slightly before mixing to prevent scrambling the eggs.
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of chocolate chips.
Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid dense bars.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter M&M Cookie

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Pair with milk or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks at holiday parties.

How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter M&M Cookie

To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. This makes them perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter M&M Cookie

What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter M&M Cookie?

The secret lies in the browned butter, which adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cookie. Ensure you cook the butter until it reaches a golden brown color for the best results.

Can I make Brown Butter M&M Cookie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter M&M Cookie?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure to follow the measuring process carefully, especially with flour. Also, do not overbake; they should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.

Variations of Brown Butter M&M Cookie You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute white chocolate chips for a different sweetness.
Try using holiday-themed M&M’s for seasonal fun.
Incorporate dried fruits for a chewy texture.

Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars: 12 Festive Treats - Brown Butter Mandm Cookie - additional detail

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