Peeps Cookie Bars Easter Delight

This colorful Peeps Cookie Bars recipe transforms those adorable Easter marshmallow bunnies into a delicious dessert that both kids and adults will devour. The combination of chewy cookie base loaded with chocolate chips and M&Ms creates the perfect canvas for those iconic Easter treats.

I created this recipe last Easter when we had several packages of Peeps that nobody was eating. My children's eyes lit up when they saw these colorful treats come out of the oven, and now they request these cookie bars well before the Easter bunny arrives.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: provides a rich base for our cookie bars without adding extra salt
• Light brown sugar: creates that classic chewy cookie texture and caramel notes
• Granulated sugar: balances the moisture and sweetness perfectly
• Eggs and egg yolk: add structure while keeping the bars moist and tender
• Pure vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors look for real extract not imitation
• All purpose flour: forms the foundation of our cookie bars
• Cornstarch: is the secret ingredient that keeps these bars soft and tender
• Baking powder: gives just enough lift without making them cakey
• Salt: enhances all the flavors especially the chocolate
• Chocolate chips: provide pockets of melty goodness throughout
• Easter MMs: add festive color and candy shell crunch
• Peep Bunnies: are the star topping that melts slightly and creates a marshmallow layer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to a perfect 350 degrees. This moderate temperature allows the cookies to bake evenly without browning too quickly. Spray your 9x13 pan thoroughly with non stick baking spray, making sure to get the corners where sticking is most likely to occur.

Melt the Butter:

Place your butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. The butter should be completely melted but not bubbling hot. Using melted rather than softened butter gives these bars their distinctive chewy texture.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine your melted butter with both brown and granulated sugars. Stir thoroughly until the mixture looks like wet sand with no lumps of brown sugar remaining. Allow this mixture to cool for 2 to 3 minutes so it will not cook the eggs when added. Once cooled slightly, add your eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, stirring until completely incorporated and slightly lighter in color.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

In a separate medium sized bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these ingredients separately ensures they distribute evenly throughout the batter without overworking the mixture once combined with the wet ingredients.

Combine Everything:

Add your flour mixture to the butter mixture, gently stirring until just combined. You should see no dry flour spots, but be careful not to overmix which can make your bars tough. Fold in the chocolate chips and MMs until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Bake the Base:

Pour your cookie dough into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners. The dough will be thick, so take your time to create an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.

Add the Peeps:

Remove the pan from the oven and carefully place your Easter Bunny Peeps on top of the partially baked cookie bars. Arrange them in rows for the most attractive presentation. Return the pan to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes, which allows the Peeps to warm, puff slightly, and begin to melt into the cookie base.

Cool and Enjoy:

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This cooling time allows the bars to set up enough to hold together when cut, but still remain warm enough to enjoy with melty chocolate chips.

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The Peeps are truly what make this dessert special. I love watching them transform in the oven from simple marshmallow treats to a gooey, colorful topping that melds with the cookie base below. My daughter always chooses pink bunnies while my son insists on blue ones, making our cookie bars a colorful family tradition.

Storage Tips

These cookie bars will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Place pieces of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though the Peeps will gradually lose their distinctive texture and meld more completely with the cookie base.

Customization Options

While Easter colors make these perfect for spring, you can adapt this recipe year round by switching out the candy colors. Try red and green MMs with snowman Peeps for Christmas, or orange and black with ghost Peeps for Halloween. The versatile cookie base works with any seasonal variation you can imagine.

Serving Suggestions

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These cookie bars make a showstopping addition to any Easter dessert table. Serve them alongside fresh strawberries to balance the sweetness, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a complete Easter dessert buffet, pair with carrot cake cupcakes and chocolate nests filled with egg shaped candies.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other candies instead of Peeps?

Yes! Feel free to substitute Peeps with marshmallows or other themed candies.

→ How do I store Peeps Cookie Bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Freeze the bars in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

→ What type of M&Ms should I use?

Easter-themed pastel M&Ms work best for a festive look, but any type will do.

→ Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix for similar results.