M&M Shortbread Cookie Bars with M&M candies and a ribbon of chocolate throughout a shortbread cookie bar. Delicious and simple, this dessert recipe will be a go to recipe for your family gatherings.
M&M shortbread cookie bar were the sweet treat I was looking for the other day. Well, almost. I was looking to completely copy a cookie I had eaten a few weeks ago at Cora's piano recital. It was the perfect M&M blend of sweet and chocolate-y, with an almost dry cookie crust.
In a nutshell, it was really, really good. I was pleased to duplicate it at home and these cookies were so easy to make!
What is shortbread?
Shortbread is similar to a sugar cookie except for a few differences. It has less sugar and there are only a handful of ingredients in a shortbread cookie.
It also has almost a dry texture. The shortbread recipe would not be good for rolling out or using cookie cutters. You would want a sugar cookie dough for that.
Like sugar cookies? Try: White Velvet Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 cup flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cups M&M's
You will also need a 9x13 pan, mixing bowl and a medium saucepan.
The mixing
Mixing the shortbread ingredients is quite simple and just use a regular mixing bowl.
After mixing the ingredients together, you will want to reserve ⅓ of the dough and set it aside for the topping. You will spread the rest on a 9x13 cake pan and bake.
The melting
Melt the sweetened condensed milk and milk chocolate chips together in a medium saucepan on low heat. You will want to stir the mixture often to encourage the chips to melt and the milk mixture not to burn.
Read: Curious about what Sweetened Condensed Milk is?
The chocolate mixture won't take long to melt and you are looking for a creamy, smooth consistency.
The Making
Pour the melted chocolate over the cooked shortbread. Then, spread the remaining shortbread over the top of the shortbread and chocolate.
Sprinkle the M&M's on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is brown.
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FAQ
Yes, I recommend it. After baking, it is best to place these in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting and eating so they have time to harden up. After serving, I feel they do best, covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
No, you don't. We like the extra crunch and flavor they add but if you don't have any, no worries. The bars will still taste great.
Yes, technically, they will. I advise you to use milk chocolate chips especially if you are going to add the M&M's. The flavor just blends the best together.
MM Shortbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For Chocolate Layer
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cups M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Mix together butter, egg, sugar and vanilla.
- Stir in the flour and baking powder.
- Add in 1 tablespoon water if needed so all dough sticks together.
- Take ⅔ of dough and spread in a lightly greased 9x13 cake pan.
- Bake in a 350* oven for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, over low heat, stir together milk and chocolate chips until chips are melted.
- Remove shortbread crust from oven and pour chocolate mixture on top.
- Take the rest of the shortbread dough and sprinkle over top of chocolate layer.
- Add M&M's to top of bars.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until top is lightly brown.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes on the counter then 1 hour in the refrigerator. It will help the bars to set up and to cut cleanly.
Nutrition
Like cookie recipes? Try:
Gooey Strawberry Cookies, Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Chip Cookies, Soft and Gooey Chocolate Cookies
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment!