Introduction

These M&M Cookie Bars are a fun and colorful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, baked in an easy-to-cut bar form. They are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime.

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 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Step 4: With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of M&Ms and the chocolate chips gently by hand.
Step 6: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top.
Step 7: Bake for 22-30 minutes until the top is golden, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set. Cool completely on a rack before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

For a chewier texture, bake closer to 22 minutes; for crisper edges, extend baking time up to 30 minutes.
Substitute peanut butter M&Ms or add chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Make sure the butter is softened—not melted—for the best mixing texture.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. To warm, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds to enjoy soft, melty chocolate.

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 or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookie bars.

Can I substitute other candies for the M&Ms?

Absolutely! Try mini peanut butter cups, chopped candy bars, or colorful chocolate chips to customize the bars to your taste.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

Deliciously chewy M&M Cookie Bars with a perfect balance of sweet chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies, baked to golden perfection. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at any occasion.

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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil to ensure easy removal after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: On low mixer 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 one cup of M&M candies and all the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
Press Dough into Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing down gently to form an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M candies evenly on top for a colorful finish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set but still slightly soft.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving to ensure clean cuts.

Notes

Room temperature butter helps achieve a smoother and more consistent dough texture.
Pressing the dough evenly into the pan ensures uniform baking and thickness.
Cooling the bars completely before slicing helps prevent them from crumbling.
You can substitute M&Ms with any other colorful candy-coated chocolates or skip the chocolate chips for a different texture.

Keywords: M&M cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, easy cookie bars, baked cookie bars, dessert bars