M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Who doesn’t love the classic combination of chewy cookie dough and colorful, crunchy M&M’s? These M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect easy-to-make dessert that packs all the flavors of your favorite chocolate chip cookies into bar form, with the added pop of fun and vibrant M&M candies. These bars are perfect for a quick weeknight dessert, school bake sales, holiday gatherings, or just as a fun treat to make with the kids. They’re simple, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

What Are M&M Cookie Bars?

M&M Cookie Bars are essentially chocolate chip cookies baked in a bar form, with M&M candies sprinkled throughout the dough. The result is a soft, chewy dessert with the crunchy texture of M&Ms in every bite. By baking the cookie dough in a pan instead of rolling it into individual cookies, you save time while still enjoying the same delicious flavors. Plus, the colorful candies make these bars not only tasty but also visually appealing—perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients List for M&M Cookie Bars

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and M&M’s creates a chewy and irresistible bar that everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The base of the dough, adding richness and moisture.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Helps create a balance of sweetness.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cookie dough.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookie bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise slightly and gives them a soft texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1 ½ cups M&M candies – The star of the show! You can use regular or seasonal M&Ms for a festive touch.

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to customize these cookie bars based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate candies (or dairy-free M&M alternatives).
• Add-ins: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• M&M Varieties: Use different types of M&M’s such as peanut, mini, or seasonal colors to fit the occasion.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making M&M Cookie Bars is incredibly simple, requiring only a few basic steps. Let’s break it down so you can have these delicious bars in no time!

How to Make M&M Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to ensuring the cookie bars have a soft and chewy texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
6. Fold in the M&Ms: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&Ms, reserving ½ cup for sprinkling on top.
7. Spread the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. It may be sticky, so you can use a spatula or your hands (lightly dusted with flour) to spread it out smoothly.
8. Top with More M&Ms: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms evenly over the top of the dough. Press them lightly into the dough to help them adhere while baking.
9. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). You don’t want to overbake, as the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will help them set and be easier to slice.

How to Cut and Serve the Bars

1. Cut the Bars: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if lined) and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
2. Serve: Serve at room temperature for a classic chewy texture, or slightly warm for a gooey, melty M&M experience. These bars pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tougher, denser bars.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. The bars should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly bars.
• Not Cooling Before Cutting: Make sure to cool the bars completely before cutting. If you cut them while warm, they may fall apart or become too soft to handle.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These M&M Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but a little extra presentation can make them even more fun and festive.

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars

• As a Party Treat: Serve these bars on a decorative platter at birthday parties, bake sales, or potlucks. They are a fun and colorful addition to any dessert table.
• With Ice Cream: Serve the cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• School Lunches: Cut the bars into small squares and pack them in school lunches or for a sweet snack on the go.

Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars

• Holiday Themed: Use seasonal M&Ms (such as red and green for Christmas or pastel for Easter) to make the bars fit the holiday. You can even drizzle the top with colored icing or melted chocolate for extra flair.
• Gift Boxes: Cut the bars into small squares and package them in cute boxes or cellophane bags for homemade gifts during the holidays.
• Decorative Dusting: For a fun twist, you can dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or edible glitter for a festive look.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can bake the cookie bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well! Once fully cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
• Doubling the Recipe: If you’re making these bars for a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake them in two 9x13-inch pans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of M&Ms?

Yes! You can use any type of M&Ms, such as peanut, peanut butter, crispy, or even mini M&Ms. Seasonal M&Ms (like Halloween or Christmas colors) are also great for themed treats.

How can I make the bars softer?

To ensure your bars stay soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. Baking them until the edges are lightly golden and the center is still slightly soft will give you the perfect chewy texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in extras like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. You can even swirl in a bit of caramel or peanut butter for a richer dessert.

Conclusion

These M&M Cookie Bars are a fun, colorful twist on the classic cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a school event, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to be a hit. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the crunchy, colorful M&Ms makes every bite a delightful treat. The best part? They’re quick and easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time! So grab your baking pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible M&M Cookie Bars!

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