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M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

4.5 from 132 reviews

These M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, combining a chewy texture with colorful candy and chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and set it aside to make removal easier after baking.
  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 handheld mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically about 3 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture a little at a time, mixing just until all flour is moistened and the dough is uniform.
  6. Fold in Candy and Chocolate: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and all the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough by hand to evenly distribute.
  7. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly. 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. The bars are done when the top is golden, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just barely set.
  9. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy batter.
  • You can substitute M&M candies with other chocolate candies or even Reese’s Pieces for variation.
  • If you prefer softer bars, reduce the baking time slightly and watch carefully.
  • Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.

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