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M&M Cookie Bars 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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