Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: M&M Sugar Cookie Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ – 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
11 oz bag of mini M&M’s

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray two square baking dishes (8” or 9”) with nonstick baking spray.

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Mix in vanilla and almond extract, if using. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, salt and baking soda. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined.

Remove ½ cup of the M&M’s from the bag and stir the remaining M&M’s into the cookie dough. Spread dough evenly into prepared pans. Sprinkle reserved M&M’s onto the top of the dough. Gently press the M&M’s into the dough.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until light golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.

Makes about 32 bars

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