If you are craving a sweet indulgence that combines the rich flavors of Oreos with the colorful crunch of M&Ms, you must try these Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars. This delectable treat is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch that will wow your family and friends. These cookie bars are perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply as an after-school snack. Each bite offers a delightful mix of creamy Oreo goodness and vibrant M&Ms that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they are customizable based on your preferences—add nuts or different candies for an even more exciting flavor profile. Get ready to impress everyone with these Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars that taste as good as they look!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Oreo Cookies: Use regular Oreos for the base; feel free to experiment with flavored varieties if desired.
- M&Ms: Choose classic milk chocolate M&Ms or get creative with peanut or crispy versions for added texture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it adds richness to the cookie bars without overpowering other flavors.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar helps create a chewy texture in combination with brown sugar.
- Eggs: Large eggs will bind all the ingredients together; use at room temperature for better mixing.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure; sift before measuring to avoid clumps.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent gives the cookie bars their lift and soft texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal of the cookie bars later.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time while mixing well.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in Oreos and M&Ms
Crush half of the Oreos into chunks and fold them into the batter along with half of the M&Ms. Reserve some pieces for topping.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Oreos and M&Ms on top. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Transfer to plates and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Proper Measurements: Accurately measure your ingredients to achieve consistent results every time
- Cooling Time: Let your cookie bars cool completely before cutting; this helps them set up better
- Add Extra Crunch: Consider adding chopped nuts or pretzels for an interesting texture contrast
How to Serve Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars
This Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream enhances the dessert experience with creamy goodness.
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the bars, making for a delightful pairing.
- Milk: A classic choice that balances the sweetness and provides a nostalgic touch to your dessert.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars up to two days in advance. Simply mix the ingredients and bake as instructed. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container.
- Storing: Store any leftover cookie bars at room temperature for up to four days. For longer preservation, refrigerate them in an airtight container where they can last up to a week.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie bars on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-10 minutes until they are soft and gooey again. You may also microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds.
Suggestions for Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars
Avoid Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing your dough is a common mistake that can lead to dense and tough cookie bars. When you mix the ingredients, especially after adding flour, do so just until combined. The gluten in the flour develops as you mix, which can create a chewy texture instead of the desired soft and gooey consistency. To achieve the best results for your Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars, gently fold in your dry ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon until no streaks remain. This simple step will ensure your cookie bars come out perfectly soft and delicious.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Oreos
Not all Oreos are created equal when it comes to making Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars. While classic Oreos work well, consider experimenting with flavored variations like Double Stuf, Mint, or Birthday Cake for a fun twist. However, avoid using overly delicate or seasonal flavors that may break down during baking. Stick to varieties that hold their shape and complement the sweetness of M&Ms and cookie dough. This choice can elevate your bars and make them even more enjoyable for friends and family.
Skipping the Chilling Time
Many home bakers underestimate the importance of chilling the dough before baking Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars. Chilling allows the butter to firm up again after mixing, helping to prevent excessive spreading during baking. Without this step, you may end up with thin, flat bars instead of thick and chewy ones. Aim to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before spreading it into your baking pan. This simple trick will enhance both texture and flavor, resulting in a superior dessert experience.
Not Using Parchment Paper
When making Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars, one crucial step is lining your baking pan with parchment paper. Failing to do so can lead to sticky situations where your bars stick to the pan, making them difficult to cut into squares. Parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes clean-up easier. Cut a piece large enough to hang over the edges of the pan so you can easily lift out your baked goods once they cool down. This small tip will save you time and frustration in the kitchen.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars?
To create these delightful Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars, gather essential ingredients like unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, crushed Oreos, and colorful M&Ms. Each component plays a vital role in achieving rich flavor and texture in your dessert. The butter adds creaminess; sugars contribute sweetness; eggs provide binding; while flour gives structure. Lastly, crushed Oreos add an extra layer of flavor and crunch alongside bright M&Ms which bring color and a satisfying chocolate element.
Can I make Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars ahead of time for gatherings or special occasions. After baking them, let them cool completely at room temperature before cutting them into squares. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate for longer freshness if needed. If you want to enjoy these cookie bars later on without compromising their texture or taste, consider freezing them individually wrapped in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for up to three months.
How do I store those cookies?
Proper storage is key to keeping your Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars fresh and delicious! After they have cooled down completely on a wire rack, cut them into individual pieces for easier access. Place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate if you prefer chilled treats. For longer-term storage options, freeze each piece wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to maintain freshness for up to three months.
Can I customize my Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars?
Yes! One of the most appealing aspects of making Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars is how versatile they are! Feel free to customize these bars by adding other mix-ins such as nuts (like walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips (dark or white), or even dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor dimensions. You can also swap out different varieties of Oreos based on personal preference or availability—try peanut butter Oreos for a unique twist! Experimenting with flavors ensures that every batch feels fresh and exciting!
Conclusion
In summary, creating perfect Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars involves paying attention to key details throughout the process—from choosing quality ingredients and avoiding common mistakes like overmixing or skipping chilling times to using parchment paper for easy handling post-baking. Remember that customization is key; feel free to experiment with different types of Oreos and additional mix-ins that suit your taste preferences. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to impressing family and friends with this sweet treat that’s sure to delight any crowd! Happy baking!
Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars are a sweet lover’s dream, combining the rich creaminess of Oreos with the colorful crunch of M&Ms. Each bar delivers a delightfully chewy texture, making them perfect for parties, bake sales, or a simple after-school snack. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up these crowd-pleasers in no time. Feel free to customize your bars by adding your favorite nuts or extra candies for an exciting twist! Indulge in this delectable treat that promises to impress family and friends with its delicious fusion of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 15 Oreo cookies (crushed)
- 1 cup M&Ms (milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and baking soda; gradually add to wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in crushed Oreos and M&Ms, reserving some for topping.
- Spread batter in prepared dish, sprinkle remaining Oreos and M&Ms on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
