Name: M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.25 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark); 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1.5 cups M&M candies; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Sweet, chewy m&m cookie bars spark joy with every delectable bite.

These colorful treats blend classic cookie goodness with vibrant chocolate candies.

Packed with soft, buttery dough and studded with m&m cookie bars recipe chocolate gems, each square delivers pure nostalgic delight.

Crisp edges and gooey centers create an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth.

Whipping up this simple dessert takes just minutes of preparation.

Children and adults alike will devour these playful, crowd-pleasing bars faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Serve warm for maximum chocolate bliss and watch smiles spread across happy faces.

Crush Cravings Quickly: Whip up these delightful M&M cookie bars in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet tooth emergencies.
Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engage children in a fun cooking activity that's super easy to make, with colorful M&Ms adding excitement to the baking process.
Party-Perfect Treat: These cookie bars are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations, offering a crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to slice and share.
No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.

Main Ingredients:

Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Sugars: White and brown sugars add sweetness and contribute to the cookies' chewy consistency.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a smooth, cohesive dough.
Flour: The primary structural component that gives the bars their classic cookie texture.
M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that add bursts of sweetness and fun to the cookie bars.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, deep flavor that complements the sweet ingredients.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Baking Preparation:

Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the bars and prevents sticking to the pan.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a baking pan.

Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter with brown and white sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract.

Mix until everything looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gently stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated and create a consistent dough.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Add Colorful Crunch

Toss in the colorful M&Ms and gently fold them throughout the dough.

Spread the mixture evenly across the prepared pan, making sure to create a smooth, even layer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown top that signals the bars are ready.

The edges should be slightly crisp while the center remains soft.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

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

Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift out the entire batch.

Cut into squares or rectangles for a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Use exact measurements for consistent texture and flavor in every batch.
Leave butter at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth mixing and better cookie bar consistency.
Gently fold ingredients to prevent tough, dense bars and maintain a soft, chewy texture.
Save some candies to press on top of the dough before baking for a more colorful, visually appealing presentation.
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center to prevent overbaking and dry cookie bars.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, swap regular M&Ms with gluten-free chocolate candies for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan M&M Cookie Bars: Use coconut oil instead of butter, substitute eggs with flax eggs, choose vegan chocolate candies to create a plant-based version of the classic treat.
Healthier Oatmeal M&M Bars: Add rolled oats to the base recipe, reduce sugar content, use dark chocolate M&Ms for a more nutritious alternative with added fiber and less sweetness.
Protein-Packed M&M Bars: Incorporate protein powder into the dry ingredients, use Greek yogurt to replace some butter, creating a protein-enriched dessert for fitness enthusiasts.

Sweet Picnic Delight: Pack these colorful bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, perfect for summer parties and family reunions.
Movie Night Treat: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that pairs wonderfully with family film time.
Kid-Friendly Lunch Box Surprise: Cut into small squares and wrap individually for a delightful school lunch or after-school snack that will make children smile.
Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Bring these bars to community events where they'll quickly disappear and become a conversation starter among dessert lovers.

M&M Bar Storage Made Simple

Store cooled M&M cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft texture.
Warm bars at 275°F for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even heating.

FAQs

Are M&Ms the only candy I can use in this recipe?

No, you can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips, Reese’s pieces, or chopped candy bars for variety.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How do I prevent the M&Ms from sinking to the bottom of the bars?

Lightly coat the M&Ms in a thin layer of flour before folding them into the dough to help them stay distributed throughout the bars.

What if I don't have parchment paper?

You can grease the baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking, though parchment paper makes removal easier.

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
Developing easy single-serving recipes
Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.