Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Halloween Candy Cookie Bars

• Preheat your oven to 350℉ (or 180℃). Line a 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick spray.
• Combine 2¼ cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt in a mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly.
• In the stand mixer, cream together ¾ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup dark brown sugar, and ¾ cup granulated sugar until creamy.
• Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, followed by 1½ teaspoons of real vanilla extract.
• Gradually mix in the dry flour mixture until just combined to keep the bars tender.
• Fold in ½ cup of Reese’s Pieces and ½ cup of chocolate M&M's into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.
• Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing it down gently.
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating halfway through until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Unwrap and chop extra Halloween candy while the cookie bars bake.
• Press prepared candy into the top of the warm cookie bars after removing them from the oven.
• Cool the cookie bars completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes, then slice into squares.