Patriotic Cookie Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base & Sweeteners
01 -
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (stick butter works best)
02 -
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
03 -
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
→ Wet Ingredients
04 -
2 large eggs, room temperature
05 -
3 tablespoons light corn syrup (honey works as substitute)
06 -
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
07 -
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
08 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
09 -
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
10 -
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
11 -
1 3/4 cups quick-cooking oats
→ Mix-ins & Toppings
12 -
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
13 -
1 cup patriotic red, white & blue M&M's, divided
14 -
1/4 cup festive red, white & blue sprinkles
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 350°F and either grease a 9x13 inch metal baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 -
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy in texture.
03 -
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the corn syrup and vanilla until everything is well combined and smooth.
04 -
Mix in the peanut butter until fully blended, then stir in the baking soda and salt until evenly distributed.
05 -
Gently fold in the flour and oats, mixing just until the ingredients come together - don't overmix or the bars will be tough.
06 -
Stir in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the M&M's, saving the remaining 1/4 cup of each for the festive topping.
07 -
Drop spoonfuls of the sticky dough into your prepared pan and gently spread it smooth. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips, M&M's, and all the sprinkles on top, pressing them lightly into the surface.
08 -
Bake for 28-32 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set but not wet. Don't overbake - you want these soft and chewy!
09 -
Let the entire pan cool completely on a wire rack before cutting - this prevents crumbly, messy squares. For the cleanest cuts, chill the pan briefly before slicing into 12-24 squares.
# Notes:
01 -
These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
02 -
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual squares for up to 2 months.
03 -
You can swap the chocolate chips for any variety - milk, dark, or white chocolate all work wonderfully.
04 -
Perfect for Memorial Day, Independence Day, or any patriotic celebration throughout the summer.