M&M Cookie Bars Recipe: Colorful, Chewy, and Crowd-Pleasing Treats
M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert when you want all the joy of cookies in an easy-to-make bar form. These buttery, chewy bars are loaded with colorful candy-coated chocolates and melty chocolate chips, making them a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults. They’re ideal for parties, lunchbox treats, or casual weeknight desserts. What makes them even better? You don’t need to chill the dough or scoop individual cookies—just mix, spread, and bake! With their chewy centers, golden edges, and pops of candy color, M&M Cookie Bars are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
What Makes These Bars Special?
These bars deliver everything you love about cookies—chewy texture, sweet flavor, and rich chocolate—in an easy, slice-and-serve format. The M&Ms add crunch, color, and a playful touch that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration. They’re endlessly customizable and come together in one bowl with pantry-staple ingredients.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to form a thick dough.
4. Fold in the Goodies
Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. Reserve a handful of M&Ms to sprinkle on top for a colorful finish.
5. Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Press extra M&Ms on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
6. Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Variations
- Holiday Theme: Use seasonal M&Ms (red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter).
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough or use peanut M&Ms.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Triple Chocolate: Use white, milk, and dark chocolate chips for an ultra-rich version.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife for slicing
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approx.)
- Calories: ~250
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
My Cooking Experience
These M&M Cookie Bars have saved me more times than I can count! Whether I’m short on time before a bake sale or need a colorful dessert for a birthday party, they always deliver. They’re simple, delicious, and make people smile. My favorite part? No scooping individual cookies—just one pan and you’re done. The kids love pressing in the extra M&Ms on top!
Conclusion
M&M Cookie Bars are a go-to dessert that checks all the boxes: easy, fun, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just craving something sweet, these colorful cookie bars are guaranteed to please. One batch, one pan, and a whole lot of smiles.
M&M Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to form a thick dough.
- Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. Reserve a handful of M&Ms to sprinkle on top for a colorful finish.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Press extra M&Ms on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let the bars cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
