Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

(Courtesy of chewoutloud.com)

Ingredients:
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
12 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
1 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. M&M's

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees with rack on lower middle position.  Line a 9x13 baking pan with foil, with enough overhang on either side to make a sling (for each of removal after baking).  Grease foil and set aside.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda.

In another bowl, stir together the melted butter and both sugars.  Stir in the egg and extra egg yolk.  Stir in vanilla extract.

Using a rubber spatula, fold together the dry mixture into the wet mixture, just until incorporated.  Do not overmix.  Fold in 1 c. of the M&Ms.  Reserve the rest for pressing on top.

Using slightly wet fingers, press dough into an even layer in the greased and foiled pan, making sure to get an even thickness throughout.  Press remaining M&Ms on top of the dough.

Bake 25-28 minutes or just until it is puffy and golden brown.  It may seem a bit underbaked, but go ahead and take it out.  It will set up nicely upon cooling.

Let cool completely at room temperature before removing with the foil sling.  Remove entire dessert with the foil sling and place on a cutting board.  Cut into squares.  Leftovers will keep for days at room temperature in an airtight container.