Introduction

These M&M Cookie Bars are a colorful and chewy treat that combines classic cookie flavors with a fun twist. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re a delightful dessert 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: In a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, then mix until combined.
Step 4: On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and the chocolate chips gently.
Step 6: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top and gently press them into the dough.
Step 7: Bake for 22-30 minutes, until the top is golden, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set. Let cool completely in the pan on a rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the bars and let them finish setting as they cool.
Try swapping M&Ms for your favorite candy or adding chopped nuts for extra texture.
Using salted butter can enhance the overall flavor, but reduce added salt slightly if you do.

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. To reheat, thaw and warm briefly in the oven or microwave for a soft, fresh-baked texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different candies instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute other candies like Reese’s Pieces or chopped chocolate bars to customize the flavor and texture.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly browned and the top golden. The center may look slightly soft but should not be wet or doughy. They firm up as they cool.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 58 reviews

Delight in these colorful and chewy M&M Cookie Bars featuring a buttery base, sweet chocolate chips, and vibrant M&M candies. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bars combine classic cookie flavors with a fun twist, making them ideal for parties, snacks, or anytime treats.

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 foil to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning in your dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending until just combined to maintain the batter’s fluffiness.
Combine Wet and Dry: 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 M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly without breaking the candies.
Press Dough in Pan: Evenly spread and press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is level for uniform baking. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&Ms on top for a colorful finish.
Bake Cookie Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set but not overbaked to keep the bars chewy.
Cool and Serve: Place the baking pan on a cooling rack and allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting and serving to ensure clean slices and optimal texture.

Notes

Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugars.
Do not overmix once dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookie bars.
Use parchment paper or foil to make removal and cleanup easier.
For chewier bars, slightly underbake by a few minutes and let them set in the pan as they cool.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For variation, substitute M&Ms with other candies or add nuts for extra texture.

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