M&M Cookie Bars

adapted from Fantastic Family Favorites

INGREDIENTS
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 tsps vanilla extract
1 12oz bag M&M's, divided

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 325 °F. Adjust the oven rack to lower-middle position.
Spray a 9X13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Mix the flour, salt, and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.

With a mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, egg yolk one at a time. Next, add in vanilla and mix until combined.

Gradually add flour mixture and beat until just combined; do not overmix. Remove from mixer.

Fold in 1 cup of M&M's and turn the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. Sprinkle remaining M&M's on top and press in slightly.

Bake until the top of the bars is light golden brown, slightly firm to the touch, and edges start pulling away from sides of pan, 24-28 minutes. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.