Super Treat Bars
Super Treat Bars are delicious, chewy cookie bars packed with chocolate chips, caramel, and M&M's, making them a perfect sweet snack for parties, gatherings, or a satisfying treat anytime. They combine rich flavors and textures, appealing to both kids and adults with a love for indulgent desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, beat brown sugar, sugar, margarine, and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and egg; beat well.
- Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix well.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Spread dough in an ungreased 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) pan.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup M&M's and 12 quartered caramels, pressing lightly into the dough.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown.
- Cool completely.
- Cut into 24 bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. To save time, use pre-packaged caramel bits instead of cutting caramels. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Super Treat Bars are perfect for a dessert table or as a sweet snack during movie nights. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, making them a delightful companion for your afternoon break.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Super Treat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warm, making them gooey and delicious again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Treat Bars contains roughly 490 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 543mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips according to your preference. You can even mix in white chocolate chips for a unique flavor combination.
What can I use instead of M&M's?
If you'd like to substitute M&M's, you can use any colorful candy-coated chocolates, such as Skittles or Reese's Pieces. For a healthier option, consider adding dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are lightly golden brown around the edges. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).