Soft & Gooey M&M Cookie Bars Recipe For Sweet Treat Lovers

Sweet dreams come alive with these delectable m&m cookie bars that promise pure childhood nostalgia.

Colorful chocolate candies peek through a buttery, golden landscape of soft dough.

Crispy edges complement the chewy center, creating a delightful textural symphony.

Memories of childhood birthday parties and after-school treats dance across your palate with each bite.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, these bars represent comfort in every mouthful.

Unexpected bursts of candy-coated chocolate make you smile with each delicious square.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into something magical.

M&M Cookie Bars FAQ You’ll Want

• What are the key ingredients in these cookie bars?

The key ingredients include butter, brown and granulated sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, M&M candies, and chocolate chips.

• Can I make these bars without M&M candies?

Yes, you can substitute M&M candies with other mix-ins like nuts, sprinkles, or additional chocolate chips to customize the recipe.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick with minimal crumbs when inserted in the center, which indicates the bars are done.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookie bars?

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, and basic baking tools like a spatula and measuring cups.

Reasons M&M Cookie Bars Are A Favorite

• Craft Sweet Memories: Develop a delightful dessert that brings families together, creating lasting moments of joy and shared happiness.
• Customize with Colorful Candy: Personalize the cookie bars by selecting different M&M colors for seasonal celebrations or special occasions.
• Bake with Minimal Effort: Prepare a crowd-pleasing treat using simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that require no complex baking skills.
• Perfect for Sharing: Create a versatile dessert ideal for potlucks, school events, birthday parties, or casual gatherings that everyone will love and appreciate.

All You Need For M&M Cookie Bars

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and helps create a tender texture for the cookie bars.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the bars soft and chewy.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure and richness of the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic profile.
• Milk: Helps adjust the dough's consistency if it becomes too stiff.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie bars.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• M&M Candies, Chocolate Chips: Add color, texture, and bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the bars.

Quick Guide To Make M&M Cookie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for super easy removal later.

Step 2: Create a Dreamy Butter Base

Whip softened butter with brown and white sugars until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and totally irresistible.

Step 3: Introduce the Eggs

Gently add eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing completely after each egg to keep everything smooth and gorgeous.

Step 4: Splash in Some Flavor

Pour in vanilla extract, letting its magical aroma transform the batter into something extraordinary.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend until everything is perfectly distributed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t go crazy with mixing!

Step 7: Adjust the Consistency

If the dough feels too thick, add a splash of milk to make it spreadable.

Step 8: Prepare the Pan

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared baking pan using a spatula.

Step 9: Decorate with Candy

• M&M candies
• Chocolate chips

Gently press them into the batter so they stick during baking.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick that comes out with just a few crumbs.

Step 11: Cool and Rest

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Cut into delightful squares and enjoy at room temperature for the most incredible texture and flavor.

Smart Tips For M&M Cookie Bars

• Prevent Dry Bars: Add milk sparingly if the dough feels too thick, ensuring a moist and tender texture without making the batter too runny.
• Distribute Toppings Evenly: Gently press M&M candies and chocolate chips into the batter to create a consistent spread and prevent sinking during baking.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test near the center, looking for minimal crumbs to avoid overbaking and maintain a soft, chewy consistency.
• Line Pan Smartly: Use parchment paper with slight overhang for easy removal, preventing breaking or crumbling when cutting the bars.
• Mix Ingredients Gently: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined, stopping before the dough becomes tough or dense.

Fun Mix-Ins For M&M Cookie Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter for coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based friendly treat.
• Nut Lover's Upgrade: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the batter, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor profile to the classic cookie bars.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the dessert's delicious appeal.

Good Matches For M&M Cookie Bars

• Pair Creamy Milk with Candy Bars: Cold, fresh milk complements the sweet chocolate and candy flavors, creating a classic childhood dessert experience that balances richness and sweetness.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Slightly melted vanilla ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, chewy texture of the M&M chocolate chip bars, enhancing the dessert's decadence.
• Match with Caramel Latte: A warm caramel latte offers a sophisticated coffee undertone that highlights the butterscotch notes in the brown sugar and amplifies the chocolate's depth.
• Enjoy with Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of light, airy whipped cream adds a delicate texture and subtle sweetness that cuts through the dense, rich cookie bar.

Best Way To Store M&M Cookie Bars

• Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm refrigerated bars at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.
• Heat individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power to slightly warm and soften chocolate chips, ensuring bars don't become tough or dry.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible M&M cookie bars combine childhood nostalgia with sweet chocolate magic. Colorful candy pieces scattered through buttery dough create a playful dessert that delights you with each chewy, indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 bag M&M candies

leavening and flavor enhancers:

• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

optional add-ins:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Cream together softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie bars.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform texture.
4. Blend vanilla extract into the wet ingredients, infusing the batter with rich aromatic flavor.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.
7. If the dough seems too stiff, cautiously add milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an even layer across the surface.
9. Generously sprinkle M&M candies and chocolate chips over the batter, pressing them gently into the surface to ensure they adhere during baking.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with minimal crumbs.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.
12. Slice into desired bar sizes and serve at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Soft Texture Secret: Add an extra tablespoon of softened butter or a splash of milk to keep the bars incredibly moist and tender.
• Color Pop Technique: Reserve a handful of M&Ms to press into the top of the batter just before baking for a vibrant, picture-perfect appearance.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful treats.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks, creating an instant dessert solution for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg