M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These M&M Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of a chewy cookie with colorful candy-coated chocolates for a fun and delicious treat. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, they make a great dessert or snack any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/3 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
- Step 2: Beat the mixture until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and the egg, then beat again until well blended.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until combined.
- Step 4: Stir in the chocolate chips and most of the M&Ms, reserving a handful for topping.
- Step 5: Spread the dough evenly into an 8×6 inch or 9×7 inch baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the surface turns golden brown.
- Step 7: Let the cookie bars cool in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the bars by a minute or two.
- Swap the chocolate chips for peanut butter or white chocolate chips to change the flavor profile.
- Use mini M&Ms to evenly distribute the candy throughout the dough.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or until soft.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.
Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
PrintM&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Delightfully colorful and chewy M&M Cookie Bars combine a classic cookie dough base with chocolate chips and vibrant M&Ms for a fun, crowd-pleasing treat. Baked to a golden perfection, these bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&Ms (divided, some reserved for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cream Butter and Sugars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat these ingredients together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Add Vanilla and Egg: Beat in the vanilla extract and egg thoroughly into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while beating, until just combined.
- Mix in Chocolate and M&Ms: Stir in the chocolate chips along with most of the M&Ms, reserving a small amount of M&Ms for decorating the top of the cookie bars.
- Spread Dough in Pan and Add Toppings: Evenly spread the cookie dough into an 8×6 inch or 9×7 inch baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top for a colorful finish.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure the sugars cream together properly.
- You can substitute M&Ms with any other colorful candy-coated chocolates if preferred.
- For chewier bars, avoid overbaking; watch for that golden brown color on top.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Keywords: M&M Cookie Bars, Chocolate Chip Bars, Easy Cookie Bars, Baked Cookie Bars, Candy Cookie Bars, Quick Dessert
