Introduction

M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, combining colorful candy pieces with rich chocolate for a fun and tasty treat. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults.

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 using a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 4: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&M candies on 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. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a cooling rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra chewy bars, slightly underbake by a couple of minutes and allow them to cool in the pan.
Swap out M&Ms for other candy-coated chocolates or add nuts like walnuts for crunch.
Use salted butter and reduce added salt to enhance flavor complexity.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresher longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use mini M&Ms instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes, mini M&Ms work well and distribute more evenly throughout the bars for a colorful bite in every piece.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The top should be golden and the edges lightly browned while the center feels just set but still soft. The bars will firm up as they cool.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

These M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, combining a buttery, tender dough with colorful M&M candies and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly chewy with a golden-baked edge, these bars are easy to make and great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat any time.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookie 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 aluminum foil and lightly grease the lining to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
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 on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Fold in Candy and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and all the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Press Dough Into Pan: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M candies over the top, lightly pressing them into the surface so they stick after baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown, the edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set but still soft.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into squares to ensure clean cuts and perfect texture.

Notes

For easier slicing, refrigerate the cookie bars for 30 minutes after they have cooled to room temperature.
Use parchment paper with overhang for easier removal from the pan.
You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips, based on preference.
Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

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