Introduction

M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, offering a chewy and colorful treat perfect for any occasion. Bursting with chocolate chips and vibrant M&M candies, these bars are easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike.

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 the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl with a 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 gently.
Step 6: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&M candies evenly over the top.
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 let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra chewy bars, avoid overbaking and remove from the oven as soon as the center is set.
Substitute peanut M&Ms for a nutty flavor twist, if no nut allergies are a concern.
Try mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Press the M&Ms gently into the top before baking to keep them from rolling off.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use mini M&Ms instead of regular size?

Yes, mini M&Ms work well and distribute more evenly throughout the bars, adding a nice balance of candy to each bite.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 59 reviews

Deliciously chewy and colorful M&M Cookie Bars loaded with chocolate chips and vibrant M&M candies, baked to golden perfection. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12–16 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 cups M&M candies, divided
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal, then set aside.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and blend until fully incorporated.
Incorporate dry ingredients: On low mixer speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies and all the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Press dough into pan: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly with the back of a spatula or your hands for a uniform thickness.
Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M candies evenly over the top of the dough and gently press them into the surface.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the edges are lightly browned, and the center is set but still slightly soft to the touch.
Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and slicing into squares to serve.

Notes

For easier removal, allow the bars to cool fully before slicing.
You can substitute M&Ms with other colorful candy-coated chocolates or sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly; for crispier edges, bake a bit longer.

Keywords: M&M Cookie Bars, cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, easy cookie recipe, colorful cookie bars, baked dessert bars