M&M’s Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These M&M’s cookie bars are a colorful and delicious twist on classic chocolate chip treats. Perfectly chewy with bursts of chocolate and candy crunch, they’re easy to make and great for sharing or snacking anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup M&M’s candies (plus extra for topping, if desired)
• 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, if desired)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or by hand.
4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Fold in the M&M’s and semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
7. Step 7: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Optionally, sprinkle extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top for a decorative touch.
8. Step 8: Bake for 22 to 27 minutes until the edges turn light golden and the center looks set. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
10. Step 10: Serve your M&M’s cookie bars with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewy bars, slightly underbake by removing them from the oven as soon as the center is set but not firm.
• Swap semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
• Use minis or peanut M&M’s for a fun texture and taste variation.
• Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help the dough come together more smoothly.

Storage

Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.

M&M’s Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 62 reviews

Deliciously chewy M&M’s Cookie Bars packed with colorful candies and chocolate chips, perfect for an easy treat or sharing at gatherings. These bars combine a soft buttery base with bursts of chocolatey sweetness in every bite.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1 cup M&M’s candies (plus extra for topping, if desired)
• 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, if desired)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, which will create a tender texture for the bars.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the two large eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until the batter is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet batter and mix just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and chewy.
6. Fold in candies: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M’s candies and 2/3 cup of semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Spread dough in pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch pan. For an extra festive and colorful appearance, sprinkle additional M&M’s and chocolate chips on top if desired.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 27 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden and the center is set but still soft. Be careful not to overbake to maintain chewiness.
9. Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut into squares.
10. Serve and enjoy: Serve your M&M’s cookie bars with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage and enjoy the colorful, chewy treat!

Notes

• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
• Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to avoid tough bars.
• You can substitute M&M’s with other candy-coated chocolates if desired.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezing is possible; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

Keywords: M&M’s cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, chewy cookie bars, easy dessert bars, colorful cookie bars