Calling all cookie monsters and M&M lovers! These M&M cookie bars are the dessert you never knew you needed.
Each one features buttery brown sugar dough, loads of M&Ms, and chocolate chips, not to mention a perfectly soft and chewy texture.
Best of all, they’re as easy to make as regular chocolate chip cookies.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, and plain rainy days, these sweet treats are phenomenal. Everyone will want more.
Why You’ll Love These M&M Cookie Bars
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: These colorful, candy-studded bars are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for practically any occasion.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love eating these and helping you bake them! Turn it into a family activity where everyone pitches in.
Time-Saving: Unlike most cookie recipes, you won’t scoop the dough for these into balls. You just press it straight into the pan and bake it. It’s quick and convenient.
Perfect Texture: They feature a delightful balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers. I don’t know about you, but for me, that’s the ideal cookie texture.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: For structure and stability.
- Baking Soda: To help the cookies rise.
- Salt: A flavor enhancer. Use fine salt if you’d rather it dissolve. Kosher salt will leave appealing flecks.
- Unsalted Butter: For richness and moisture. Cream it with the sugar to incorporate air into the dough.
- Sugars: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough. Light brown sugar adds moisture and a nice caramel-like flavor.
- Large Eggs: The binding agent.
- Vanilla Extract: Another flavor enhancer. Use it for warmth and extra sweetness.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: For the ultimate in rich chocolate indulgence.
- M&Ms: The stars of the show! They add pops of color, crunch, and extra chocolatey goodness throughout.
How to Make M&M Cookie Bars
Making these bars is similar to making any homemade cookies, with just a few tweaks to the steps.
1. Prepare. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, and spray it with nonstick spray.
2. Make the batter. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together first. Then, in a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Then, add the eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Finally, fold the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined.
3. Add the mix-ins. Fold in the chocolate chips and 1 cup of the M&Ms.
4. Press and bake. Press the dough into the prepared pan, sprinkling the remaining M&Ms on top. Press them gently into the dough. Then, bake for 25 to 30 minutes until done.
5. Cool, cut, and serve. Allow the bars to cool completely (about 1 hour). Then, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best M&M Cookie Bars
These bars are so easy, but here are a few tips to make them stand out.
- Be accurate! The easiest way to do this is with a kitchen scale. If you don’t have one, spoon the ingredients into the measuring cup. Then, level them off with a knife for accuracy. Never dip the measuring cup into the flour or sugar bag.
- Brown the butter. This will provide the cookies with a richer flavor. Simply melt the butter over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Let the dough chill. Though not on the list of steps, chilling the dough is very beneficial. It’ll make the bars extra thick and chewy. One to 2 hours in the fridge should suffice.
- Don’t overbake! Check the bars around the 22-minute mark, just to be sure. As soon as the center is set, remove them from the oven.
- Add fun toppings. I love to sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before baking. You can also drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or caramel. Dusting them with powdered sugar is another good option.
- Try tasty variations. Swap the M&Ms for other candy-coated chocolates or use mini M&Ms for a different mouthfeel. You can also select certain colors for holiday-themed cookies.
How to Store
Remember to let the bars cool fully before cutting them. After that, they should be cool enough to store.
To Store: Place the bars in an air-tight container at room temperature for 5 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to 7 days.
To Freeze: Place the bars in a freezer-safe, air-tight container. Freeze them for up to 3 months. If making ahead of time, freeze the bars uncut. Simply wrap them in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil.
More Cookie Bars You Have to Try
Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
M&M Cookie Bars
24
servings10
minutes25
minutes284
These fun M&M cookie bars are an easy, no-chill recipe perfect for sharing! They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups M&M’s candies, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips and 1 cup of the M&M’s. Stir until they’re evenly distributed.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup M&M’s on top and gently press into the dough.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is lightly golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board, and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
