Are you looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further! M&M cookie bars are an easy-to-make, chewy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're preparing them for a party, family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these colorful cookie bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Follow along for a complete guide on how to make this fun dessert! Keep reading for all the details to whip up the perfect batch of M&M cookie bars from scratch.
What Are M&M Cookie Bars?
M&M cookie bars are essentially soft, chewy cookie dough baked in a pan and sliced into squares or bars, similar to brownies but with the flavor of a chocolate chip cookie. They are packed with crunchy, candy-coated M&Ms, which add vibrant pops of color and extra chocolatey goodness in every bite. These cookie bars are thicker than traditional cookies and have a delightful soft center, with the M&Ms providing a fun contrast in both texture and appearance. The bars are a fantastic way to simplify cookie-making, as there’s no need to shape individual cookies—just press the dough into a pan, bake, and slice.
Ingredients List for M&M Cookie Bars
To make these mouthwatering cookie bars, you'll need a handful of basic baking ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen pantry. Here's the complete ingredients list for the perfect M&M cookie bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups M&M candies (divided)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a chewy and delicious base, while the M&Ms and optional chocolate chips add bursts of color and flavor.
Additional Ingredients for M&M Cookie Bars
Here are some extra ingredients you can add or substitute to enhance your M&M cookie bars:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (for an extra depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for a subtle warm spice)
- ¼ cup peanut butter chips (for a peanut butter twist)
These ingredients are optional but can add interesting textures and flavors to the cookie bars if you're feeling adventurous.
Substitutions and Variations for M&M Cookie Bars
One of the best things about M&M cookie bars is how versatile they can be. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand—you can easily make substitutions without sacrificing flavor. Here are some ideas for variations and ingredient swaps:
- Butter substitute: If you want to make the bars dairy-free, replace the butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
- Brown sugar substitute: You can swap light brown sugar with dark brown sugar if you prefer a richer, more molasses-like flavor.
- Egg substitute: For an egg-free version, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for each egg.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.
- M&M Variations: Try using peanut M&Ms, crispy M&Ms, or even pretzel M&Ms for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate chip swap: Instead of chocolate chips, try using white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped chocolate.
Feel free to get creative with these substitutions and variations based on your preferences and dietary needs!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for M&M Cookie Bars

Now that you have all the ingredients and potential substitutions, it’s time to start baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious M&M cookie bars.
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it's at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- Prepare the baking pan: Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This will make it easier to remove the bars after baking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Add the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips: Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and the chocolate chips (if using), reserving the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms for later.
- Press the dough into the pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down with the back of a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
- Add more M&Ms on top: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms over the top of the cookie dough, pressing them slightly into the surface.
- Bake the cookie bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes before lifting them out (using the parchment paper, if lined) and slicing them into bars or squares.
How to Cook M&M Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a concise breakdown of how to make M&M cookie bars, step by step:
- Preheat oven and prepare the pan.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients.
- Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips.
- Press dough into the baking pan and top with more M&Ms.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool, slice, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making M&M Cookie Bars
To ensure your M&M cookie bars turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overbaking: Overbaking the bars will result in dry, crumbly cookie bars instead of chewy ones. Keep an eye on the baking time and remove them when the edges are just golden.
- Skipping parchment paper: Forgetting to line the pan with parchment paper can make it difficult to remove the bars cleanly.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to dense, unevenly baked cookie bars. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour will make your bars dense and cakey. Be sure to spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup, rather than scooping it.
Serving and Presentation Tips for M&M Cookie Bars
Once your cookie bars are baked and sliced, it’s time to serve them! M&M cookie bars are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas:
- Warm with ice cream: Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- With a glass of milk: A classic pairing! Serve the bars with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic snack.
- As part of a dessert platter: Arrange the cookie bars on a dessert platter alongside other baked treats like brownies and cookies for parties or gatherings.
Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars
When it comes to presentation, you can easily make these cookie bars look as good as they taste:
- Drizzle with chocolate: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the bars for an extra touch of decadence.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar: Dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar for a simple but elegant finish.
- Cut into fun shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the bars into festive shapes for holidays or themed events.
M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
To make sure your M&M cookie bars are the best they can be, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookie bars, so only mix the dough until just combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure the best texture.
- Customize with different candies: You can swap out M&Ms for other candies, such as Reese’s Pieces or chocolate-covered peanuts, for a fun variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze M&M cookie bars?
A: Yes! You can freeze M&M cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you're feeding a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or in two 9x13 pans.
Q: How do I store M&M cookie bars?
A: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
Conclusion
M&M cookie bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the chewy goodness of cookies with the convenience of bars. With their colorful M&M topping and soft texture, these bars are sure to be a hit at any event. Follow the steps in this guide to create your perfect batch, and feel free to experiment with different variations and flavors. Happy baking!
PrintM&M Cookie Bars Recipe
M&M Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful M&M candies. These bars are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or a sweet snack. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and M&Ms, they’re easy to prepare in one pan. The M&Ms add bursts of chocolate and color to every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the M&Ms.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For extra chocolate, you can add chocolate chips along with M&Ms.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
Leave a Reply