Classic M&M Cookie Bars

Thick, chewy, and loaded with colorful candies, Classic M&M Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. These cookie bars bring the nostalgic taste of your favorite chocolate chip cookies with a delightful M&M twist, making them a fun and festive treat for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a cozy weekend at home, this easy-to-make recipe delivers satisfying flavor and texture in every bite. The buttery dough forms a soft and slightly crisp crust on the outside, while remaining gooey and rich in the center. Studded with chocolate chips and vibrant M&Ms, each square is a visually appealing and crave-worthy snack.

Unlike individual cookies, these bars are baked in a single pan, saving time and effort without sacrificing taste. They’re perfect for sharing, easy to transport, and can be sliced into your desired size depending on the occasion. If you enjoy classic cookie flavors with a pop of color and crunch, these cookie bars are bound to become a regular in your baking rotation. Plus, the recipe allows for fun variations, so you can tweak it to your liking or adapt it to what you have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick: No need to scoop individual cookies—just press into a pan and bake.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties, potlucks, or lunchbox treats.
3. Customizable: You can easily swap out candies or mix-ins to suit your taste.
4. Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a soft, gooey center.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well and freezes beautifully for future enjoyment.

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Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Light brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Regular M&Ms
• Semisweet chocolate chips

Variations

• Peanut Butter Twist: Add a swirl of peanut butter into the dough before baking.
• Holiday Theme: Use seasonal M&Ms for Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day.
• Nutty Version: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• White Chocolate: Replace semisweet chips with white chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 4:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5:

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6:

Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7:

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Press additional M&Ms and chocolate chips on top for a decorative finish.

Step 8:

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9:

Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Do not overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher bars.
• Press the dough evenly into the pan for uniform baking.
• Slightly underbake for extra chewy centers.
• Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

How to Serve

Serve the cookie bars as-is, or warm them slightly in the microwave and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. These bars are ideal for parties, bake sales, or as an after-school snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best texture, avoid refrigeration.

Freezing

Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual bars for about 10–15 seconds. For larger portions, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid over-salting.

2. Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will yield thicker bars and may take longer to bake through.

3. How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.

4. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but use a larger baking sheet or bake in two pans to ensure even cooking.

5. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use all granulated sugar, but the flavor will be less rich and caramel-like.

6. Can I make this recipe egg-free?

You can try using egg replacers or a flax egg, but the texture may vary.

7. Are these bars chewy or crunchy?

They are chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges.

8. Can I use mini M&Ms?

Absolutely—mini M&Ms distribute more evenly and give a different texture.

9. Can I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make a dairy-free version.

10. How should I cut them cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, even squares.

Conclusion

Classic M&M Cookie Bars are an easy, colorful, and delicious treat that combines the best parts of cookies and brownies into one irresistible dessert. With simple ingredients, endless customization options, and a perfect chewy texture, they’re a versatile go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookie bars deliver every time. Make a batch today and see just how fast they disappear.

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