M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re someone who loves that perfect cookie bar with chewy edges, a tender center, and bursts of colorful candy-coated chocolate, then this M&M Cookie Bars Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how these bars come together — they’re quick to make, kid-friendly, and loaded with those fun M&Ms that everyone adores. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the juicy details and tips so you can nail these bars every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this M&M Cookie Bars Recipe plays a key role in creating that luscious texture and flavor — from rich butter to bright vanilla, and of course, the star of the show: M&Ms. Here are some tips to help you shop smart and get the best results.

• Unsalted Butter: Always use room temperature to ensure easier creaming with sugars, giving the bars their tender crumb.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that makes the bars deliciously chewy.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with that lightly crisp texture on top.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness—make sure they’re fresh for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla elevates the entire batter with warm, sweet notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough – measure carefully by spooning into your cup and leveling off to avoid dense bars.
• Baking Soda: Adds a touch of lift without too much rise, keeping bars just right.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness — kosher salt or fine salt works well.
• Chocolate Chips: I love using semi-sweet chips that melt beautifully into gooey pockets of chocolate.
• M&M’s: Of course, the candy-coated chocolates add that festive color and delightful crunch with every bite.

Variations

I love that this M&M Cookie Bars Recipe is super versatile — you can mix things up based on your mood or the occasion. I often switch candies or add extras like nuts or oats to make it my own.

• Peanut M&Ms: My family is obsessed with the peanut version for an extra crunch and salty-sweet combo.
• Add Toasted Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice texture contrast and nutty flavor.
• Use White Chocolate Chips: I sometimes swap half the chocolate chips for white chocolate for a creamier taste.
• Gluten-Free Flour: I’ve tried a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute, which works well if you want to avoid gluten.

How to Make M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 1 minute. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy — this is crucial for keeping your bars soft and tender.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix just until everything is combined — overmixing here can lead to tougher bars, and nobody wants that!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The key here is to avoid overworking the dough — you should still see a bit of fluffiness.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

Now for my favorite part — folding in one cup of chocolate chips and M&M’s! Be gentle but thorough so they’re evenly distributed. Save about ¼ cup of each to sprinkle on top before baking for that irresistible look.

Step 5: Prep Your Pan and Bake

For nice thick bars, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out easily later. Spray lightly with non-stick spray. If you want thinner bars, use a 15×10-inch pan instead. Scoop your cookie dough into the pan and press it down evenly. Scatter the reserved chocolate chips and M&M’s on top for that pretty finish.

Bake for about 30-35 minutes in the smaller pan or 20 minutes in the larger one, until the top is just barely golden brown. The bars will still seem soft but will firm up as they cool. Resist the urge to overbake — this is where a lot of folks mess up their bars!

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Slicing

This step is essential! Let your cookie bars cool completely in the pan, about an hour or so, before lifting and slicing. This keeps them from falling apart and helps you get those clean, perfect squares.

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple by topping bars with a few extra M&M’s and a light dusting of powdered sugar if I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt adds a nice sweet-salty pop.

Side Dishes

These bars go amazingly well with a cold glass of milk (classic for a reason!). For a fun twist, try pairing with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream for a quick dessert upgrade.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these bars to a party, I love placing them in colorful cupcake liners or stacking them on a tiered dessert tray. Around holidays, swap in themed M&M colors and tie little ribbons around individual bars for cute gift ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bars have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. My family usually finishes them that fast, but you can also refrigerate if your kitchen is humid.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead for a party or just save some for later, I recommend freezing individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour. If you prefer them warm, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works wonders to bring back that soft, melty goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This M&M Cookie Bars Recipe has been such a joy in my kitchen—easy enough for weeknight baking but special enough for celebrations. I remember the first time I made it, my kids couldn’t stop reaching for more, and now it’s a staple whenever I want something sweet with a little fun and color. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these bars just as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want it in your baking rotation forever!

Print