Prepare to be swept away by the vibrant colors and irresistible chewiness of these M&M Cookie Bars! Perfect for any gathering, celebration, or simply to brighten a mundane Tuesday, these cookie bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We’ve taken beloved candy-coated M&M’s and generously loaded them into a rich, buttery cookie dough, baked to golden perfection in a convenient bar form. The result? A delightfully gooey, chewy, and utterly delicious treat that you won’t be able to resist. Get ready to indulge in pure dessert joy!
If you have a soft spot for M&M’s, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful recipes like our Ultimate Super Thick Mini M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies or these festive Thick & Delish Valentine M&M Bars. Each recipe promises a unique take on this classic candy, ensuring there’s always a new way to satisfy your M&M cravings.
Why These M&M Cookie Bars Are Absolutely Irresistible
Simplicity Meets Deliciousness in Every Bite
One of the best things about these M&M Cookie Bars is how incredibly easy they are to make. Forget the tedious task of rolling individual cookie dough balls; with this recipe, you simply press all the luscious cookie dough into a 9×13 inch pan, spread it evenly, and bake. This method not only saves a significant amount of time but also ensures every square is perfectly uniform, offering a consistent delightful experience. It’s a smart shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, making it ideal for busy bakers who want maximum impact with minimal effort.
A Symphony of Texture and Flavor
These aren’t just any cookie bars; they’re the ultimate dessert designed to satisfy every sweet tooth with their perfect blend of textures and flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into a gooey, chocolatey center encased in a wonderfully chewy cookie crust. Then, a delightful burst of colorful M&M candies adds a playful crunch and a pop of vibrant color that makes these bars as appealing to the eyes as they are to the palate. The classic combination of rich chocolate and candy-coated goodness creates a truly decadent experience that will have everyone reaching for a second, or even third, piece.
Perfect for Every Occasion and Everyday Treats
M&M Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a versatile treat suitable for any day of the week, for any reason at all! Their festive appearance and universally loved taste make them a fantastic choice for a wide array of events. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, hosting a Super Bowl gathering, preparing a party tray for a holiday feast, or simply looking for a delightful snack to enjoy at home, these bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re also an excellent item for bake sales, thoughtful gifts for friends and family, or simply a well-deserved treat for yourself. Truly, no one will ever challenge your decision to bake a batch of these glorious cookie bars!
Essential Ingredients for Your M&M Cookie Bar Recipe
Creating these incredible M&M Cookie Bars requires a simple list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The magic lies in the combination and proportions, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Gather Your Pantry Staples:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our chewy cookie dough.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing other flavors.
- Baking soda: Provides the perfect lift and helps achieve that soft, chewy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled, it contributes to the gooey richness and tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar): Key for moisture, chewiness, and a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- Egg yolk: An extra yolk makes these bars incredibly rich and chewy.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for classic cookie flavor, adding warmth and depth.
- M&M’s: The star of the show! Use a standard bag for plenty of colorful chocolatey goodness.
Ensure all your ingredients are fresh for the best results. The quality of your butter and vanilla can significantly impact the final flavor profile of your cookie bars, so choose wisely!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Best M&M Cookie Bars
Follow these straightforward instructions to create a batch of M&M Cookie Bars that will impress everyone.
- **Prepare Your Oven and Pan:** Adjust your oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to create “handles” for easy removal. Lightly spray the foil or parchment with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside.
- **Mix Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
- **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Stir in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is cohesive.
- **Fold in Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients. Fold gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
- **Incorporate M&M’s:** Fold in the majority of your M&M’s into the cookie dough. Reserve about 1/4 cup for sprinkling on top. Transfer the batter into your prepared 9×13-inch pan, spreading it out evenly to the edges.
- **Top with More M&M’s:** Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s over the surface of the dough and gently press them in so they adhere nicely and create a beautiful, colorful top.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top of the bars is a light golden brown, feels slightly firm to the touch in the center, and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Avoid overbaking to ensure maximum chewiness.
- **Cool Completely:** Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly and achieve their ideal chewy texture.
- **Slice and Serve:** Once cooled, use the foil or parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into squares of your desired size, then serve and enjoy!
Tips for Achieving M&M Cookie Bar Perfection
While the recipe is simple, a few extra tips can elevate your M&M Cookie Bars from good to absolutely phenomenal.
- **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dry cookie bars instead of chewy ones.
- **Avoid Overbaking:** Keep a close eye on your oven. The bars should be lightly golden brown and set around the edges, but the center may still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking is the quickest way to lose that desirable gooey, chewy texture.
- **Cool Completely Before Cutting:** This is perhaps the most important tip! Warm cookie bars will be messy and fall apart when cut. Allowing them to cool fully allows them to firm up, making clean, perfect squares much easier to achieve. Patience is a virtue here!
- **Use Room Temperature Eggs:** Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the batter, creating a more uniform and emulsified dough.
- **Press Extra M&M’s on Top:** For that visually stunning, bakery-style look, pressing extra M&M’s onto the surface of the dough right before baking ensures a beautiful display of color on top of each bar.
Creative Variations and Customizations for Your Cookie Bars
These M&M Cookie Bars are fantastic as is, but they also serve as a versatile base for countless customizations. Don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor them to your taste or any special occasion!
- **Seasonal and Themed M&M’s:** Easily switch out regular M&M’s for seasonal or holiday-themed varieties. Think red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, red, white, and blue for patriotic holidays, or black and orange for Halloween. This simple change instantly transforms the bars to match any event.
- **Experiment with Chocolate Chips:** While M&M’s are the star, you can enhance the chocolate factor. Consider adding milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even mini chocolate chips alongside or in place of some of the M&M’s for a different chocolate experience.
- **Add-ins for Extra Texture:** For a delightful crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Other fun add-ins could include toffee bits, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, or colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- **Decadent Toppings:** Take your warm cookie bars to the next level by serving them à la mode! A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top, drizzled with homemade hot fudge or caramel sauce, creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Oh yeah, that’s what we’re talking about!
- **Transform into M&M Brownies:** If you love the M&M concept but prefer a fudgier base, consider adapting a brownie recipe and loading it with M&M’s for ultimate gooey M&M Brownies.
Storing and Freezing Your Delicious M&M Cookie Bars
Proper storage is key to keeping your M&M Cookie Bars fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you plan to enjoy them within a few days or save them for a future craving, here’s how to store them effectively.
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
Once your chewy cookie bars have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored this way, they will remain fresh, soft, and chewy for up to 3 days. For best quality, keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Long-Term Storage (Freezing)
M&M Cookie Bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or having a treat on hand whenever the mood strikes.
- **To Freeze Baked Bars:** After the bars have completely cooled and been cut into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
- **Transfer to Container:** Once firm, transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty plastic freezer bags. You can layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
- **Freezer Life:** They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. While they can last longer, their quality may start to diminish after this period.
- **Thawing:** When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked, gooey experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About M&M Cookie Bars
Got questions about making these delightful M&M Cookie Bars? Here are answers to some common inquiries that can help you achieve perfect results every time.
- **Can I use a different size baking pan?** Yes, you can. If you use a smaller pan (e.g., 8×8 inch), the bars will be thicker, and you’ll need to increase the baking time. If you use a larger pan (e.g., a full sheet pan), the bars will be thinner, and the baking time will decrease. Always keep an eye on them and check for doneness.
- **Why are my cookie bars dry or crumbly?** The most common culprits for dry or crumbly cookie bars are overmixing the dough or overbaking. Ensure you mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, and remove the bars from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- **Can I chill the cookie dough before baking?** While it’s not strictly necessary for cookie bars, chilling the dough can sometimes enhance the flavor and create a slightly chewier texture. If you choose to chill, you might need to let the dough soften slightly at room temperature before pressing it into the pan.
- **What kind of M&M’s should I use?** Any variety of M&M’s works wonderfully! Classic milk chocolate M&M’s are always a hit. You can also experiment with peanut M&M’s, peanut butter M&M’s, or even seasonal colors to match a specific theme or holiday.
- **How do I get clean cuts for my cookie bars?** For perfectly neat squares, ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before cutting. You can even chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm them up further. Use a large, sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating quick, easy, and incredibly delicious M&M Cookie Bars! These treats are perfect for all your fun events, special occasions, or even for “closet hoarding” if you’re one of those who prefers to keep all the deliciousness to yourself. Don’t resist the temptation any longer – try our M&M Cookie Bars today and treat yourself to pure dessert perfection.
Want more quick ideas and dessert inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for recipe updates, baking tips, and lots of sweet inspiration.
More Irresistible Cookie & Bar Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these M&M Cookie Bars, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Oatmeal Butterscotch & Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Thick & Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- M&M Christmas Cookies
- Festive Chocolate Snowball Cookies
- Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- M&M Easter Egg Marshmallow Fudge Brownies
- Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
- Birthday Confetti Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars!
- M&M Marshmallow Bars
- Sheet Pan Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars
M&M Cookie Bars
By Kim Lange
These delicious, chewy M&M Cookie Bars are perfect for any party or simply as a fun, festive treat. Loaded with vibrant candy-coated M&M’s and baked into scrumptious bars, they are utterly irresistible!
10 mins
30 mins
Dessert, Snack
American
12 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 10.5 oz bag M&M’s
Instructions
- Adjust the oven rack to lower-middle position, then preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper for easy removal. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Whisk the melted butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl until combined.
- Stir in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix well.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in most of the M&M’s and turn the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the cookie dough evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining M&M’s on top and lightly press them into the dough.
- Bake until the top of the bars is light golden brown, slightly firm to the touch, and the edges start pulling away from the sides of the pan, about 30-35 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Remove the bars from the pan by lifting the foil or parchment paper, then transfer them to a cutting board.
- Cut into squares, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe yields 12 large servings. For more servings, simply cut the bars into smaller squares.
bars, blondies, cookies, M&Ms
Recipe slightly modified from Fantastic Family Favorites
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