Irresistible M&M Pretzel Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Treat

Welcome to a world where your most indulgent sweet and salty cravings find their perfect match: these incredible M&M Pretzel Cookie Bars. Imagine a rich, chewy chocolate chip cookie base, generously studded with vibrant M&M’s and playful sprinkles, then crowned with a delightful crunch of mini pretzels. But we don’t stop there – a delicate drizzle of white chocolate and a final flourish of sea salt (optional, but highly recommended for salt lovers!) elevate these bars from simple sweets to an unforgettable dessert experience. They are truly the quintessential party treat for any celebration, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every single bite.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, looking for the perfect edible gift, or simply craving a decadent homemade treat, these cookie bars deliver on all fronts. They’re sweet, they’re salty, they’re wonderfully crunchy, and undeniably packed with love. Every ingredient plays its part in creating a harmonious balance that will have everyone reaching for “just one more.” And of course, we never forget the chocolate – if you’re a fan of the sweet and salty combination, you’ll also adore our White Chocolate Pretzel Rolo Bites and these amazing Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies!

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

What truly sets these cookie bars apart is the dynamic interplay of textures and tastes. The moment you sink your teeth into one, you’re greeted by the satisfying crunch of baked pretzels, beautifully contrasting with the soft, chewy interior of the chocolate chip cookie bar. The delightful surprise doesn’t end there; vibrant red and green M&M’s and festive sprinkles add a playful chew and a pop of color, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. For those who, like me, are utterly obsessed with the magic of chocolate covered pretzels, you’ll find an extra layer of joy in these bars.

To enhance this irresistible combination, I’ve generously adorned these bars with delicate drizzles of white chocolate, a scattering of additional sprinkles, and a final sprinkle of sea salt. While the sea salt is completely optional, it truly amplifies the sweet and salty experience, creating a flavor explosion that is nothing short of fantastic. Even without the extra sea salt sprinkles, the base recipe perfectly captures that harmonious sweet and salty vibe. These M&M pretzel cookie bars are guaranteed to be a drool-worthy delight for any palate, much like our famous Ultimate Trash Brownies!

More Pretzel Love

If you’re as enamored with the pretzel-dessert combination as we are, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate that unique sweet and salty crunch:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie: A decadent pie featuring peanut butter, chocolate, and a crunchy pretzel crust.
• Sweet & Salty Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars: Another irresistible bar recipe balancing rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and salty pretzels.
• Heavenly Strawberry Pretzel Dessert: A lighter, refreshing take on the classic pretzel dessert, perfect for spring and summer.
• Rolo Reese’s Pretzel Fudge: A super easy and incredibly satisfying fudge recipe with a delightful pretzel twist.

The Secret to Perfection: Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these heavenly M&M Pretzel Cookie Bars requires a thoughtful selection of staple baking ingredients, combined with those special additions that bring the sweet and salty magic to life. Using fresh, quality ingredients will always yield the best results, ensuring your bars are moist, flavorful, and perfectly chewy. Pay attention to how you measure your flour for optimal texture, and make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth, well-incorporated dough.

For the Pretzel Cookie Bars

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (remember how to measure flour correctly to avoid dense bars)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar (adds chewiness and depth of flavor)
• ½ cup Zulka Sugar or granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (ensure they are also at room temperature for better emulsification)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract offers the best aroma and taste)
• 1 cup Holiday M&M’S or any color/flavor of M&M’s you prefer
• ½ cup festive Sprinkles (match the occasion or your favorite colors!)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Mini Pretzels, enough to cover the top of the baked bars

For the White Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

• ½ cup white chocolate chips (good quality melting chips work best for smooth drizzles)
• Additional Sprinkles, for extra decoration
• Sea Salt, for that essential sweet and salty kick (optional, but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Your M&M Pretzel Cookie Bars

Making these delightful cookie bars is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these clear steps to achieve perfectly baked, irresistibly chewy, and crunchy sweet and salty treats. The key is to avoid overmixing and to bake just until golden brown to ensure that coveted soft texture.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet pan (a half-sheet pan works wonderfully for a crowd) with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients together for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the bars’ tender texture.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until each is just incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sift this dry mixture over the wet ingredients in your large bowl. Mix on low speed, just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough, dry bars. Stop mixing as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.
5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, sprinkles, and M&M’s with a wooden spoon. The dough will be quite thick, which is perfectly normal. Distribute the mix-ins evenly throughout the dough.
6. Spread the thick cookie dough evenly onto your prepared baking sheet. You can drop spoonfuls onto the pan and then use your fingers or a rubber spatula (lightly sprayed with non-stick spray for easier handling) to spread it out. Don’t worry about getting the corners and edges perfectly neat; the dough will spread out nicely while baking.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately arrange the mini pretzels over the warm cookie bars, gently pressing them into the surface.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This ensures they set properly and are easier to slice. This recipe typically yields 3-4 dozen bars, depending on how large you cut them.

White Chocolate Drizzle Instructions (Optional)

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat, as white chocolate can seize easily.
2. Transfer the melted white chocolate into a pastry bag or a Ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle decoratively over the cooled pretzel cookie bars.
3. While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with additional festive sprinkles and a dash of sea salt, if desired. Let the drizzle set before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips for Flawless Cookie Bars

• Reserve Some Toppings: I always like to set aside a small handful of M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles before mixing them into the dough. Once the dough is spread in the pan, randomly scatter these reserved toppings over the top of the bars just before adding the pretzels. This ensures a beautiful, colorful presentation on the surface of your bars. Feel free to add more if you wish for an extra vibrant look!
• Don’t Overbake: This is arguably the most crucial tip for achieving the best chewy texture! Cookie bars are at their peak when they are slightly underbaked in the center. The edges should be golden, but the middle should still look a little soft. Overbaking will dry out your bars, making them crumbly instead of wonderfully chewy.
• Measure Flour Accurately: For consistent results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents compacting the flour and adding too much, which can lead to dense, dry bars.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating a smoother batter and a more consistent texture in your finished bars.

Storage Solutions: Keep Your Bars Fresh

These M&M Pretzel Cookie Bars are so delicious, they might not last long! But if you happen to have leftovers or want to bake ahead, here’s how to store them to maintain their freshness and delightful texture:

• Room Temperature: Store your cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them perfectly soft and chewy.
• Refrigeration: For a slightly longer shelf life, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be aware that the texture might become a little firmer when cold.
• Freezing for Long-Term: These bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars or entire portions tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again with aluminum foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature. The extra wrapping helps prevent freezer burn and preserves their flavor and texture.

Perfect for Any Occasion

So, what brings you to the oven today? Are you baking for a large crowd, a special event, or perhaps just indulging your own sweet tooth? This M&M Pretzel Bars recipe is specifically designed for a sheet pan, making it ideal for yielding a generous batch. This means you’ll have plenty of delicious bars to fill fun party dessert trays, prepare thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply ensure everyone gets a taste at your next special event.

They are not just a dessert; they are a statement – a perfect blend of childhood nostalgia with a sophisticated sweet and salty edge that appeals to everyone. These bars are easy to transport, simple to serve, and always a hit. Whether it’s a holiday party, a birthday celebration, a potluck, or just a cozy family movie night, these M&M Pretzel Cookie Bars are sure to be the star of the show.

Don’t forget to check out this delightful Cashew Peanut Butter Fudge too, for another rich and creamy treat!

Explore Our Dessert Bar Collection

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of dessert bars, you’re in for a treat! Our collection features a wide variety of bar recipes that are perfect for any craving or occasion. From classic chocolate chip to fruity delights, there’s a bar for everyone:

• Sheet Pan Peanut Butter Chocolate Blondie Dream Bars: A dreamy combination of peanut butter and chocolate in an easy sheet pan format.
• Sheet Pan Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: The ultimate classic, simplified for feeding a crowd.
• Peanut Butter Banana Bars: A wholesome yet indulgent choice, packed with flavor.
• Heavenly Frosted Banana Bars: Moist banana bars topped with a luscious frosting.
• Oatmeal Butterscotch & Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: A hearty and comforting bar with a delightful mix of flavors.
• Patriotic M&M Party Cookie Bars: Festive and colorful, perfect for national holidays.
• Easy Fruit Granola Bars: A healthier option for a quick snack or breakfast.
• Salted Caramel Pretzel & Peanut Brownies: An irresistible blend of salty, sweet, and chewy.
• OMG S’mores Bars: All the fun of s’mores without the campfire.
• Strawberry Pretzel Layered Dessert: A delightful layered dessert with a crunchy pretzel base.
• OMG Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars: Super moist and wonderfully gooey chocolate chip goodness.

Chocolate Chip M&M Pretzel Bars Recipe

These bars are wonderful party treats for any kind of celebration! Enjoy, sweet, salty, crunchy, and love all in one bite or five.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Cooling Time: 30 mins
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 36 Bars
• Keyword: bars, christmas, M&Ms, pretzels, sweet and salty

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (don’t over measure)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup Zulka Sugar or granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup Holiday M&M’S or any kind of M&M’S
• ½ cup Sprinkles
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Mini Pretzels (to cover the top of bars)

White Chocolate Drizzle

• ½ cup white chocolate
• Sprinkles
• Sea Salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and spray with non-stick spray.
2. Beat butter and sugars with a mixer until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla, mixing on low until combined.
3. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture and mix until just incorporated. Don’t overmix.
4. Stir in chocolate chips, sprinkles, and M&M’s with a wooden spoon. The dough will be thick.
5. Spread dough evenly onto the baking sheet using fingers or a sprayed spatula.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Optional Drizzle: Melt white chocolate in 20-second intervals. Drizzle over bars using a pastry or ziplock bag. Top with sprinkles or sea salt if desired.

Notes

You can also halve the recipe for a 9×13 pan instead of sheet pan bars if you wish. I always like to reserve a small amount of the M&M’s, chocolate chips and sprinkles before adding them to the cookie dough and randomly scatter them on top of the bars, before adding the pretzels. It shows more color on the top of the bars. Feel free to add more if you wish.

Tried This Recipe? Let us know how it was by commenting below!