M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

M&M Cookie Bars are a colorful and chewy treat perfect for any occasion. Loaded with chocolate chips and vibrant M&M’s, these bars combine classic flavors in an easy-to-make dessert. They’re great for sharing or packing as a sweet snack.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup golden brown sugar, firmly packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups M&M’s, plus more for topping
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to make removal easier. Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue beating until combined.
4. Step 4: Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.
5. Step 5: Stir in the M&M’s and mini chocolate chips, reserving some to press on top of the dough later.
6. Step 6: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Press the reserved M&M’s and chocolate chips into the top of the dough for a colorful finish.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden and just set in the center.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, try adding 1/4 cup of honey or corn syrup to the dough.
• Swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different flavor.
• If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer or vigorous stirring by hand will work fine.
• Pressing extra M&M’s on top before baking gives the bars a fun, colorful appearance.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend freshness for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, regular chocolate chips can be used. They might create a slightly different texture, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How do I keep the cookie bars from drying out?

Be sure not to overbake; remove the bars when they’re just set in the center. Storing them in an airtight container will also help maintain moisture.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 58 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

Delight in these colorful and chewy M&M Cookie Bars, loaded with vibrant candy-coated chocolates and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing, these cookie bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the fun crunch of M&M’s, baked into a soft, buttery bar that’s easy to slice and serve.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup golden brown sugar, firmly packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1 1/2 cups M&M’s plus more for topping
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips plus more for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie bars.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with foil, allowing extra foil to hang over the edges for easy removal. Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in M&M’s and Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of M&M’s and 1 cup of mini chocolate chips by hand, reserving some to sprinkle on top later.
7. Transfer and Top Dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press the reserved M&M’s and mini chocolate chips evenly over the top of the dough.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bars are lightly golden brown around the edges and just set in the center.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting out with the foil overhang and slicing into bars.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
• If you prefer a softer center, bake closer to 30 minutes; for a firmer bar, bake up to 35 minutes.
• Use a sharp knife to cut bars cleanly once cooled to avoid crumbling.
• Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Feel free to substitute peanut M&M’s for a nutty twist, but note this will affect the diet suitability.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: M&M Cookie Bars, Cookie Bars, M&M Dessert, Chocolate Chip Bars, Easy Cookie Bars, Baked Cookie Bars