M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These M&M Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with colorful M&M candies for a fun twist. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate, they’re perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet snack any time.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a stand mixer or large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined.
5. Step 5: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies along with the chocolate chips.
7. Step 7: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&M candies on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 22 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set.
9. Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the bars and let them firm up as they cool.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with white or peanut butter chips for different flavors.
• Use festive or seasonal M&Ms to customize the bars for holidays or events.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of candies instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute M&Ms with other candy-coated chocolates or chopped candy bars, but keep in mind that some candies may melt differently during baking.

How do I prevent the bars from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake and store the bars properly in an airtight container to maintain moisture and softness.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 141 reviews

These M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, baked into soft, chewy bars loaded with colorful M&M candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing, they feature a buttery, brown sugar-rich dough with a crisp golden top and a gooey center.

• Author: Sana
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Set aside to ensure easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. 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 becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined and no flour streaks remain to avoid overmixing the dough.
6. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies and all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula to evenly distribute without crushing the candies.
7. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and press it evenly with a spatula or your hands to form an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M candies on top and gently press them into the dough.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 30 minutes. The bars are done when the top is golden, edges are lightly browned, and the center is just set but still slightly soft.
9. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan to set before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

• For softer bars, bake closer to 22 minutes; for crisper edges, bake closer to 30 minutes.
• You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips or chunks if preferred.
• Make sure the butter is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and fluffy dough.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

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