If you’re a fan of buttery, chocolate-studded cookies and crave a treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist, these M&M Cookie Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the soft, chewy bliss of classic chocolate chip cookies, loaded with colorful, candy-coated M&Ms, all swirled together in thick, golden bars that you can slice and share—or not share at all! Trust me, every bite is a celebration of texture and flavor, with melty mini chocolate chips and pops of crunchy, candy shell. These M&M Cookie Bars are as perfect for bake sales as they are for family movie night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: every ingredient has a purpose, and most are already waiting in your kitchen. The combination of simple pantry staples and cheerful M&Ms brings these cookie bars to life, giving you a vibrant treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and keeps the bars irresistibly moist and chewy.
Granulated sugar: Lends the perfect sweetness and a pleasant, crisp edge to the bars.
Golden brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth thanks to the molasses in brown sugar.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together and ensure your bars stay soft and rich.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances all the dessert’s comforting flavors.
All-purpose flour: Gives just the right structure, keeping the bars thick without being dry.
Baking soda: Ensures a gentle rise, so your M&M Cookie Bars are beautifully light.
Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens every flavor note.
M&M’s: The signature crunch of colorful candies turns simple cookie bars into a festive masterpiece. Hold a few back for a beautiful topping!
Mini chocolate chips: Pack every bite with melty chocolate for extra decadence; save some for the top for that irresistible finish.

How to Make M&M Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, line it with foil (make sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later!) and mist it generously with nonstick cooking spray. This little extra effort means zero sticking, and your bars will pop right out, ready for slicing.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat your softened butter together with both the granulated and brown sugars. Mix until the texture is light and fluffy—this step is the secret to cookie bars that are soft inside and golden at the edges.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Keep the mixer running and add in the eggs and pure vanilla extract. Let everything come together until smooth; this will help develop that irresistible rich cookie flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Turn your mixer to low, then add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix only until everything is just combined—overmixing here can make your bars tough instead of tender!

Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in most of your M&Ms and mini chocolate chips, but reserve a handful of each. You’ll use these on top, which gives your M&M Cookie Bars that bakery-fresh, picture-perfect look.

Step 6: Spread and Top

Dollop the dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms and mini chocolate chips across the top, gently pressing them into the dough. This not only makes the bars extra colorful, but also guarantees a burst of chocolate and candy in every single bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for bars that are lightly golden brown and just set in the center (they will continue to cook a bit as they cool). Try to resist eating them right away—letting them cool completely in the pan makes for clean, neat slices.

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars

Garnishes

The finishing touch for these bars is all about personality! Just before serving, sprinkle an extra handful of M&Ms or mini chocolate chips on top for added color and crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate will make your M&M Cookie Bars look as tempting as they taste.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars are a party all on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into a restaurant-worthy dessert. For an extra-special treat, serve alongside fresh berries, milkshakes, or a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your M&M Cookie Bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or slice them into bite-sized squares for a playful dessert platter. Stack them in clear jars as DIY gifts, or wrap individually for lunchbox surprises and party favors. Customize the M&M colors to match holidays or special occasions for an instant festive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bars are fully cooled and cut, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together, and you’ll have a grab-and-go treat whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

Yes, M&M Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Place the sliced bars in a freezer-safe container (separated by parchment) and freeze for up to two months. Whenever you need a quick dessert fix, just thaw a bar or two at room temperature.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate gets a little melty, the edges soften, and suddenly you’re right back to day one, with homemade M&M Cookie Bars fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use different types of M&Ms for this recipe?

Absolutely! While classic M&Ms are a favorite for their color and crunch, feel free to experiment with peanut, caramel, or crispy M&Ms for fun flavor twists. Just keep the measurement the same so the dough texture stays perfect.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries at all—you can make M&M Cookie Bars with a hand mixer or even by stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. The key is making sure your butter is very soft and you cream it well with the sugars before adding the eggs.

Can I substitute other candies or add-ins?

Definitely! Swap in chopped nuts, toffee bits, or a mix of white and dark chocolate chips to personalize your cookie bars. Just remember not to overload the dough to avoid altering the bake time or texture.

Should I chill the dough before baking?

There’s no chilling required for these bars, so they’re ready to bake right away! This means you can satisfy your cookie craving faster, with no waiting.

How do I get perfect, neat slices?

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean, picture-perfect squares. For extra precision, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts.

Final Thoughts

You won’t believe how quickly these M&M Cookie Bars disappear! Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want to brighten an ordinary day, this treat is pure happiness in a pan. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your family’s most-requested dessert!

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, perfect for a crowd or as a sweet treat for your family. With colorful M&M’s and chocolate chips in every bite, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil, leaving some overhang to make removal easier.

Spray foil generously with nonstick cooking spray.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy.
Add in eggs and vanilla extract and continue to beat.
Lower speed of mixer and add flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until combined.
Add M&M’s and mini chocolate chips and give a final stir, reserving some for topping cookie bars.
Transfer cookie dough to prepared baking dish.
Press additional M&M’S and chocolate chips into the top of the cookie dough.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bars are a light golden brown and just set in the center.
Let cool completely and cut into bars.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American