Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars
- Easy to Make: No need to scoop individual cookies—just press the dough into a pan, bake, and slice.
- Perfectly Chewy: These bars strike the ideal balance between soft and chewy with just the right amount of crisp edges.
- Customizable Fun: Use classic M&Ms, peanut M&Ms, or seasonal varieties to match any occasion.
The Joy of M&M Cookie Bars
There’s something about M&Ms that instantly brings joy. Maybe it’s the burst of chocolate or their bright, colorful shells. Pair that with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base, and you’ve got a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Plus, the bar format makes these treats extra convenient—you get all the flavor of cookies with half the effort.
These bars are perfect for when you need a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert. From potlucks and birthday parties to movie nights and casual get-togethers, they fit right in with every celebration.
How to Make M&M Candy Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: Adds richness and keeps the bars soft and moist.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: A mix of sugars creates a chewy texture and balanced sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookie base.
- Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt: The foundation for a perfectly tender bar.
- Eggs: Helps bind everything together.
- M&Ms: The star of the show! Use any variety you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Dough: Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined. Fold in most of the M&Ms, saving a handful for the top.
- Press into a Pan: Spread the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top for a colorful finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop the pan into a preheated oven and bake until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles.
Tips for the Best Cookie Bars
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: This ensures your dough mixes evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: The bars will continue to set as they cool, so pull them out when the center is still slightly soft.
- Get Creative: Swap out M&Ms for other mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or chopped candy bars for a unique twist.
When to Serve M&M Cookie Bars
These versatile bars are great for:
- Parties and Potlucks: Easy to transport and serve, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
- Holiday Treats: Use seasonal M&Ms to match the occasion.
- Everyday Indulgence: Because who needs a special reason to enjoy something this good?
Why These Bars Will Become Your Go-To Dessert
M&M Candy Cookie Bars combine everything you love about cookies—sweetness, chewiness, and that irresistible chocolatey goodness—into an easy-to-make bar format. They’re vibrant, fun, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, these bars are foolproof and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
M&M Candy Cookie Bars
Sweet, chewy, and bursting with colorful candy, these M&M Candy Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion! Made with a soft, buttery cookie base and packed with vibrant M&M candies, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or a simple dessert at home, they combine the classic flavors of cookies with the convenience of a bar format. Slice them up and watch them disappear—they’re sure to be a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt or 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips plus more for tops if desired
- 1/2 cup of semi sweet chocolate bar chopped
- 1 cup M&M’s plus more for tops if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large bowl using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda and salt and stir mixture just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, chocolate and M&M’s (saving about 1/4 cup for the top).
- For thick bars, line a 9×13″ pan with parchment paper or foil. For thinner bars, line a 15×10″ pan. Leave an over hang for easy removal. Then spray with non-stick spray. Scoop cookie dough into the pan and press down evenly. Then place extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13″ pan or 20 minutes for a 15×10″ pan, or until the top is barely golden brown. Allow to cool completely, then remove and slice.
Video
Notes
M&M’s: Feel free to use regular M&M’s or colored M&M’s based on which holiday you are making them for.
Storage: Once cooled store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Remove an hour before serving to thaw. Can warm in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
