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M & M Chocolate Orange Jewels

M & M Chocolate Orange Jewels recipe image
These M&M Chocolate Orange Jewels are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich, buttery texture of shortbread with the festive flair of chocolate and citrus. The base is a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookie infused with fresh orange zest and marmalade, creating a wonderful aromatic profile. Loaded with colorful M&Ms and crunchy pecans, each bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors. They are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence during the winter season. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, these bars bake up beautifully and store well in an airtight container.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 30
Calories: 457.8
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
These M&M Chocolate Orange Jewels are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich, buttery texture of shortbread with the festive flair of chocolate and citrus. The base is a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookie infused with fresh orange zest and marmalade, creating a wonderful aromatic profile. Loaded with colorful M&Ms and crunchy pecans, each bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors. They are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence during the winter season. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, these bars bake up beautifully and store well in an airtight container.
Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup Butter Flavor Crisco
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 cup Pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Orange Juice
  • 12 oz M&M's Semi-sweet Chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Rind, grated
  • 1 bag Mini Baking Bits, Red & Green
  • 2 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/3 cup Orange Marmalade
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, cream together the Crisco, brown sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
  3. 3
    Beat in the egg and orange juice until well combined.
  4. 4
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
  5. 5
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. 6
    Fold in the orange zest, chopped pecans, M&Ms, and mini baking bits.
  7. 7
    Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. 8
    Dollop the orange marmalade over the dough and swirl it in gently with a knife.
  9. 9
    Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls over the marmalade layer.
  10. 10
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  11. 11
    Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 30

Amount Per Serving
Calories 457.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32.4g50%
Saturated Fat 20.4g102%
Cholesterol 86.0mg29%
Sodium 286.9mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 44.1g15%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 44.1g
Protein 0.4g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Substitutions: You can use regular butter instead of Crisco for a richer flavor, though the texture may be slightly denser.

Variations: Try using different colored M&Ms to match holiday themes, or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

Tip: Ensure the orange zest is finely grated to distribute the flavor evenly without large chunks of pith.

Keywords: chocolate, orange, cookies, bars, holiday, christmas, pecans, m&m's, shortbread, zest, marmalade, dessert, treat, festive, baking, citrus, cookie, exchange, party, snack
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/m-m-chocolate-orange-jewels/