Introduction

These M&M Cookie Bars are a fun and colorful twist on classic cookie bars, packed with melty chocolate chips and crunchy M&M candies. They offer a perfect combination of chewy texture and sweet flavors, making them an ideal 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 the oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13 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 aside.
Step 3: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies and the chocolate chips evenly into the dough.
Step 6: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top, gently pressing them into the surface.
Step 7: Bake for 22 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden, the edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set. Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For softer bars, remove them from the oven when the center is just barely set and let them cool fully in the pan.
Try using peanut butter M&Ms or a mix of your favorite colored candies for a fun twist.
If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half the butter with browned butter before mixing.

Storage

Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy after freezing, thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. Just keep the quantity the same.

How do I prevent the cookie bars from drying out?

Be careful not to overbake; remove the bars when the center is just set and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Storing in an airtight container also helps keep them moist.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 138 reviews

Delicious and colorful M&M Cookie Bars that combine classic cookie flavors with crunchy M&M candies and rich chocolate chips, baked to a golden perfection in a convenient bar form ideal for sharing or snacking.

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

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

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and set aside to prevent sticking and ease removal of cookie bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute the colorful and chocolate elements throughout the dough.
Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Then sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M candies on top to decorate.
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, indicating the bars are cooked but still soft inside.
Cool and Serve: Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.

Notes

Room temperature butter helps create a smooth and fluffy dough, ensuring better texture.
Do not overmix the dough when adding the dry ingredients to prevent tough bars.
Use parchment paper or foil to make it easy to lift out the cookie bars from the pan.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape.
You can customize with different candy-coated chocolates or nuts if desired.

Keywords: M&M cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, easy dessert recipe, baked cookie bars, colorful cookies, party dessert