If you’re searching for a delectable treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, look no further than these Thick & Delish Valentine M&M Bars. Bursting with vibrant colors from the M&Ms and rich chocolatey goodness from the semi-sweet chocolate chips, these bars provide both flavor and a festive touch that will impress anyone. Whether you’re preparing a sweet surprise for your loved ones or planning a fun baking session with family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection.

The beauty of these bars lies not only in their delightful flavors but also in their simple preparation. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can whip up a batch that looks as good as it tastes. Imagine cutting into a thick, chewy bar, the M&Ms glistening under the kitchen lights, and the scent of fresh-baked goods wafting in the air. Each bite is a wonderful blend of sweetness and texture, making them perfect for sharing or indulging solo.

What’s more, these dessert bars are a fantastic way to express your creativity. You can customize them with different types of M&Ms or chocolate chips, or even experiment with adding nuts or other fun ingredients. With such a versatile base, the possibilities are endless. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make this simple yet extravagant Valentine’s Day treat!

Why You’ll Love This Thick & Delish Valentine M&M Bars

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, including baking time, making it a practical choice for busy bakers.
Colorful & Fun: The addition of Valentine-themed M&Ms makes these bars visually appealing and festive for the holiday.
Rich Flavor: A combination of granulated and brown sugar gives these bars a delicious depth of flavor while the chocolate chips add that necessary decadence.
Versatile Treat: Customize your bars by swapping out M&Ms or adding unique ingredients to suit your taste.
Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of up to 16 bars, this recipe is perfect for gatherings with family and friends.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before starting your baking endeavor, prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure a successful batch of Thick & Delish Valentine M&M Bars. First and foremost, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough when your baking pan is ready. Next, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. If parchment paper isn’t on hand, grease the pan with nonstick cooking spray instead.

As for your tools, an electric mixer is a game changer. It makes combining the butter with sugars a breeze, leading to a light and airy mixture. A spatula will also be handy for spreading the dough in the pan, ensuring an even bake. Finally, if you want to make cutting your bars easier, have a wire rack ready for cooling. This will allow air to circulate around the bars and prevent sogginess.

Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature or softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups Valentine M&Ms

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step to ensure your bars bake evenly and perfectly. While the oven warms up, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later. If you prefer not to use parchment paper, grease the pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. This step helps prevent the bars from sticking, ensuring a smooth extraction once they cool.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, combine the room temperature butter with both the granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy — roughly 2-3 minutes. This creaming process is crucial as it incorporates air into your batter, creating a lighter texture in the finished product. Once the sugar and butter are well combined, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour until fully combined. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, starting on low speed to prevent flour from flying everywhere. Once combined, increase the mixer speed to medium until a cohesive dough forms. This step is key, as overmixing can lead to dense bars, so mix until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Goodies

Once your dough is ready, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the Valentine M&Ms. This is where the fun begins! The chocolate chips add decadence, while the colorful M&Ms provide that festive flair. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the dough so that every bar gets an ample amount of chocolate and candy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Scoop the dough into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. For an extra touch of color, feel free to sprinkle a few more M&Ms on top, gently pressing them into the surface. This not only looks appealing but also ensures that the M&Ms stay put during baking. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 35 minutes. Check the bars periodically, looking for a set top and a light golden color. Remember, the bars will continue cooking slightly as they cool, so if you prefer gooey bars, aim for the shorter baking time!

Variations

Protein: Add a cup of crushed nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture and healthy fats, or replace half of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a unique flavor twist.
Vegetables: While not conventional, you could add some shredded zucchini or carrots to the dough for added moisture and nutrients without changing the flavor too much.
Spices: Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Cooking Notes

For gooey bars, lean towards the shorter baking time of around 20 minutes; for firmer, sliceable bars, aim closer to 30-35 minutes.
If your bars are browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
To ensure the best results, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them to prevent crumbling.
Experiment with seasonal M&Ms, allowing you to create treats for various holidays!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these delicious bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Serve with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a delightful twist on classic dessert pairing.

Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results.
To keep the M&Ms vibrant in color, avoid overbaking the bars, as they can lose their bright hues.
Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Feel free to double the recipe if you’re expecting a crowd to ensure everyone enjoys a sweet treat!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250 per bar
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I use different types of M&Ms?

Absolutely! You can use any seasonal M&Ms or your favorite candy-coated chocolates depending on what you have on hand.

How should I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

What is the best way to cut these bars?

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Using a sharp knife helps achieve clean cuts, or you can use a pizza cutter for straight lines.

Can I freeze the bars?

You can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Thick & Delish Valentine M&M Bars not only make for a festive addition to your baking repertoire but also bring joy through their delicious taste and beautiful appearance. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a sweet indulgence, they are simple enough to whip up even on a hectic day. We hope you take the time to try this delightful recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy the celebratory process of baking. Your loved ones will appreciate the gesture, and these bars are sure to create lasting memories. If you have any variations or tips from your experience, don’t hesitate to share in the comments below!