M&M Cookie Bars
why make this recipe
M&M Cookie Bars are a fun and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They bring together the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with a colorful twist from M&M’s. These bars are easy to make, and everyone loves them! They are great for parties, lunchboxes, or simply as a sweet snack at home. The chewy texture and vibrant colors make them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
how to make M&M Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (or 1 tsp kosher salt)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus more for tops if desired)
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus more for tops if desired)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for 1 minute.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until everything is combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, saving about 1/4 cup for the top.
- For thick bars, line a 9×13" pan with parchment paper or foil. For thinner bars, line a 15×10" pan, leaving an overhang for easy removal, then spray with non-stick spray.
- Scoop the cookie dough into the pan and press down evenly. Place extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13" pan or 20 minutes for a 15×10" pan, or until the top is barely golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely, then remove and slice.
how to serve M&M Cookie Bars
M&M Cookie Bars are perfect warm or at room temperature. You can serve them as is or with a scoop of ice cream on the side for an extra treat. They are great for sharing, so consider cutting them into squares and placing them on a platter for guests.
how to store M&M Cookie Bars
Store any leftover M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
tips to make M&M Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best mixing.
- You can use any variety of M&M’s, like peanut or crispy, to change the flavor.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
- If the bars seem too crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
variation
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You could also try using white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but the taste and texture may differ slightly.
Q: Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Q: How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
A: The top should be barely golden brown. You can also do the toothpick test; insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done.
M&M Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature) Ensure butter is at room temperature for best mixing.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (or 1 tsp kosher salt)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus more for tops if desired) For different flavors, try white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
- 1 cup M&M's (plus more for tops if desired) You can use any variety of M&M's, like peanut or crispy.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for 1 minute.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until everything is combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, saving about 1/4 cup for the top.
- For thick bars, line a 9×13'' pan with parchment paper or foil. For thinner bars, line a 15×10'' pan, leaving an overhang for easy removal, then spray with non-stick spray.
Baking
- Scoop the cookie dough into the pan and press down evenly.
- Place extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13'' pan or 20 minutes for a 15×10'' pan, or until the top is barely golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely, then remove and slice.
Notes
M&M Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature) Ensure butter is at room temperature for best mixing.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (or 1 tsp kosher salt)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus more for tops if desired) For different flavors, try white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
- 1 cup M&M's (plus more for tops if desired) You can use any variety of M&M's, like peanut or crispy.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for 1 minute.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until everything is combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, saving about 1/4 cup for the top.
- For thick bars, line a 9×13'' pan with parchment paper or foil. For thinner bars, line a 15×10'' pan, leaving an overhang for easy removal, then spray with non-stick spray.
Baking
- Scoop the cookie dough into the pan and press down evenly.
- Place extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13'' pan or 20 minutes for a 15×10'' pan, or until the top is barely golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely, then remove and slice.
