Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 136 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 26 minutes
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookie bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these thick, chewy M&M Cookie Bars packed with colorful M&M’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or anytime you want a sweet treat that’s easy to make and share. These cookie bars offer a soft caramel-like batter with a rich chocolatey finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

  • 1 cup plain M&M’s
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removing the bars easier.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs and stir the mixture until it resembles a thick caramel-like batter.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
  4. Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, about half a cup at a time. Fold the batter gently over itself to fully incorporate the flour, smoothing out any flour ribbons. The batter will be quite thick at this stage.
  5. Add M&M’s and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the M&M’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Transfer and add topping: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top for a colorful and chocolatey topping.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 26 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks firm but still slightly soft.
  8. Cool and cut: Remove the parchment paper with the bars from the pan and set it on a cooling rack. Let them cool completely to room temperature. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the bars into 24 equal squares.

Notes

  • These cookie bars are thick and chewy, making them a perfect festive treat to serve at parties or bake sales.
  • Cooling the bars completely before cutting helps them hold together and maintains the chewy texture.
  • You can customize by adding nuts or other candies if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie bar (approx. 49 g)
  • Calories: 174 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 126 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 26 mg