M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These M&M Cookie Bars are a perfect treat for anyone craving a sweet, chewy dessert with a colorful twist. Combining classic chocolate chips and vibrant M&Ms, they bake into a soft, golden bar that’s easy to share and enjoy anytime.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/3 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup M&Ms

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth.
2. Step 2: Beat the mixture until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and the egg, then beat again until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until combined.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chocolate chips and most of the M&Ms, reserving a few for topping.
5. Step 5: Spread the dough evenly into an 8×6 inch (or 9×7 inch) baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough.
• Use peanut butter M&Ms for a rich twist or swap chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different taste.
• To keep bars chewy, avoid overbaking by checking at the 18-minute mark.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Yes, regular chocolate chips work perfectly and add a nice texture to the cookie bars.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make the bars gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 87 reviews

Deliciously chewy M&M Cookie Bars featuring a buttery, sweet base packed with chocolate chips and colorful M&Ms. These bars are perfect for a fun treat or dessert, easy to make with simple ingredients, and baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 tsp salt

Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup M&Ms (divided, some reserved for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Cream Butter and Sugars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add Vanilla and Egg: Beat the mixture well until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and the egg, then beat again until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined to form the cookie dough.
4. Incorporate Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Stir in the chocolate chips and most of the M&Ms, reserving some M&Ms to sprinkle on top before baking.
5. Spread Dough in Pan: Evenly spread the cookie dough into an 8×6 inch (or 9×7 inch) baking pan. Then, sprinkle the reserved M&Ms over the top for a colorful finish.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.

Notes

• Softening the butter before mixing helps achieve a creamy texture for the cookie base.
• You can substitute M&Ms with other candy-coated chocolates if preferred.
• Use an 8×6 or 9×7 inch pan; baking time remains the same but ensure not to overbake to keep bars chewy.
• For cleaner cutting, chill the bars slightly after cooling.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Keywords: M&M cookie bars, easy cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, homemade dessert