M&M Oat Shortbread Bars

These M&M Oat Shortbread Bars are buttery, chewy, and packed with oats for a texture that sets them apart from traditional shortbread. The mini M&Ms add color and sweetness, making them an easy and cheerful addition to your holiday cookie trays.

If classic shortbread is your go-to but you want something with a little more texture, these oat shortbread bars deliver exactly that. They come together in one bowl and press straight into the pan, which makes them an easy choice when you want homemade cookies without extra steps.

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What You’ll Need

• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup mini M&Ms (plus 2–3 tablespoons for topping)

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How to Make Them

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, salt, and oats until just combined.

4. Stir in M&Ms: Add 1/2 cup mini M&Ms and stir until evenly distributed. 

5. Press into pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining mini M&Ms on top and press lightly.

6. Bake: Bake 30–35 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

7. Cool & cut: Let the bars cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use the right oats: Quick or old-fashioned oats work best; do not use instant oatmeal packets.

• Mini M&Ms are key: They distribute evenly and maintain their shape better than full-size candy.

• Clean slices: Let the bars cool completely and cut with a bench scraper or sharp knife for neat squares.

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These M&M Oat Shortbread Bars are chewy, colorful, and a simple addition to your holiday baking. If you make a batch, leave a comment or review to let us know how they turned out. You might also enjoy these Christmas Tree Shortbread or Gingerbread Sandwich Trees. 

M&M Oatmeal Shortbread Bars

Author: Jolene's Recipe Journal

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned)
• 1/2 cup mini M&Ms (plus 2–3 tablespoons for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 13x9-inch pan. In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla until smooth.
2. Add the flour, salt, and oats, stirring until just combined. Fold in 1/2 cup of mini M&Ms. Press the dough evenly into the pan and sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top, pressing lightly.
3. Bake 30–35 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Mini M&Ms may crack slightly during baking, which is normal. Let bars cool for 10 minutes, then cut into squares with a bench scraper or sharp knife.

Notes

Adapted from: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/oatmeal-shortbread

oatmeal shortbread bars with M&Ms

Cookies, Christmas Cookies

American

Welcome to #ChristmasCookiesWeek!  We will be sharing delicious recipes all week long in celebration of the holiday season. Bloggers from across the country have joined forces to share some of their favorite recipes for your cookie trays and dessert tables.

• Marbled Ube Cookies by Karen's Kitchen Stories
• M&M Oat Shortbread Bars by Jolene's Recipe Journal
• OREO Cookies & Cream Molasses Spice Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Grinch Nutter Butter Cookies by Blogghetti