Red, White & Blue M&M's Cookie Bars

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the center position.

2. Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.

3. In a light-colored pan over medium heat, stir the butter constantly with a rubber spatula until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 6–10 minutes.

4. Remove from heat immediately to prevent further evaporation, then pour the browned butter into a large heat-proof bowl and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. There will be some brown milk solids at the bottom of the pan.

5. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the browned butter and beat or whisk vigorously until well mixed and no clumps remain, about 2 minutes.

6. Add the egg yolk, eggs, and vanilla extract then whisk until light and creamy, about 1 minute.

7. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.

8. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix with a silicone spatula or spoon until just combined.

9. Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips until combined.

10. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press/smooth it into an even layer. Top with additional M&Ms and chocolate chips, if desired.

11. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until slightly golden on the edges and top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

12. While the bars are hot out of the oven, press a few more M&Ms and chocolate chips into the tops, if desired.

13. Allow the bars to cool in the pan set on a wire rack for 1 hour, then lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang.

14. Let the bars finish cooling completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour more, then cut them into equal squares with a sharp knife.