Classic M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a chewy, buttery texture packed with colorful candy-coated chocolates. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, one-bowl recipe with minimal cleanup
- Soft, chewy texture with crisp edges
- Loaded with vibrant M&Ms for a fun, festive look
- Perfect for making ahead and storing
- Great for sharing at gatherings and events
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- M&M candies
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips (if using), ensuring even distribution.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12-16 bars
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Holiday-Themed: Use seasonal M&M colors for festive occasions like Christmas, Easter, or Halloween.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Extra Chocolatey: Substitute half of the M&Ms with mini chocolate chips for double the chocolate goodness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for gluten-free diets.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture.
FAQs
How do I keep the cookie bars soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I use other types of candy instead of M&Ms?
Yes! Try using Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or chopped candy bars for a twist.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, this dough does not require chilling, making it a quick and easy recipe.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Let them cool completely and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and chocolate alternatives to make them dairy-free.
Why did my bars turn out dry?
Overbaking can lead to dryness. Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for balance.
How do I make these bars extra gooey?
Slightly underbake them by 2-3 minutes and let them cool in the pan.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger pan or bake in two batches to prevent overcrowding.
What’s the best way to transport these bars?
Stack them in a container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Classic M&M Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best of chewy cookies and soft bars in one easy-to-make treat. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight indulgence, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Try out different variations and enjoy baking these fun and colorful delights!
Print
Classic M&M Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy cookie bars are packed with chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s, making them the perfect sweet treat for any occasion! They’re easy to make in one pan—no need for individual cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and 1 ½ cups of M&M’s.
- Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Press a few extra M&M’s on top for a colorful look. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the bars and let them set as they cool.
- Use seasonal M&M’s to make these festive for any holiday!
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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