Introduction

M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, featuring colorful candy-coated chocolates that add both sweetness and crunch. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a convenient treat any time.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ⅓ cup M&M candies (divided)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
Step 5: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 6: Fold in 1 cup of the M&Ms and all of the chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
Step 7: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms evenly over the top for a colorful finish.
Step 8: Bake for 22 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden, the edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set. Remove from the oven and let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the bars and allow them to firm up as they cool.
Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Use peanut butter M&Ms to add a nutty twist to the bars.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm briefly in the microwave if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute M&Ms with other candies like Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or your favorite candy-coated chocolates to customize the flavor.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top turns golden, the edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set but still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

Deliciously chewy and colorful M&M Cookie Bars packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and vibrant candy-coated chocolates. These bars combine a classic cookie flavor with a fun twist, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as an everyday treat.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins

1 ⅓ cup M&M candies (divided)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring the edges overhang for easy removal later, and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then incorporate the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until all the flour is incorporated to avoid overmixing.
Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies and all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 pan and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands to create a uniform layer.
Add Remaining M&Ms on Top: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M candies evenly over the top of the dough, pressing them slightly into the surface to help them stick during baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set but still soft to the touch.
Cool and Serve: Remove the baking pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment or foil overhang. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and the best texture.
Do not overbake to keep the cookie bars soft and chewy.
Feel free to substitute the chocolate chips with white or milk chocolate chips.
You can store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.

Keywords: M&M cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, easy cookie bars, colorful cookie bars, dessert bars, chewy cookie bars