Introduction

These M&M Cookie Bars are a colorful and delicious twist on classic cookie bars, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips and vibrant M&M candies, they offer a fun treat for any occasion.

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 your oven to 350℉ and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Set it aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined.
Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly.
Step 6: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&M candies evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake for 22 to 30 minutes until the top is golden, the edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the bars and let them finish setting as they cool.
Swap out M&M candies for other colorful chocolate pieces or add chopped nuts for crunch.
Use salted butter instead of unsalted if you prefer a bit more savory balance.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat bars briefly in a microwave or at a low oven temperature to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt slightly to balance the flavor.

Can I substitute the M&M candies with other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try substituting with chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped nuts to customize the bars to your liking.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 67 reviews

Deliciously soft and chewy M&M Cookie Bars that combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with colorful M&M candies. Perfectly baked in a 9×13 pan, these bars offer a festive and fun treat ideal for parties, snacks, or anytime you crave a sweet indulgence.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookie 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

1⅓ cups 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 to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the cookie bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Set this mixture aside to incorporate later with the wet ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture in the bars.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Press Dough and Add Topping: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M candies evenly over the top for a colorful finish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set but still soft to the touch.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter to achieve a smooth and even dough texture.
Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to ensure tender, chewy cookie bars.
You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on preference.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For an extra treat, warm slightly before serving to melt the chocolate chips.

Keywords: M&M Cookie Bars, cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, easy dessert, baked cookie bars, colorful cookies