Creating your Patriotic Cookie Cake is super easy when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
5. Mix in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Add Candy: Sprinkle the red and blue M&Ms evenly over the dough.
8. Layer Dough: Take the remaining cookie dough and dollop it over the candies, smoothing it out to create an even layer.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Follow these steps to bake a beautiful Patriotic Cookie Cake that will brighten up any celebration!