M&M Cookie Bars

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M&M Cookie Bars

There’s something truly magical about the combination of buttery cookie dough and bursts of colorful candy-coated chocolate. These M&M Cookie Bars have quickly become a staple in our home—not just because they’re ridiculously delicious (which they are), but because they bring out that nostalgic joy in everyone who tries them. I first whipped up a batch on a rainy Saturday afternoon when we were all craving something sweet but didn’t want the mess or time commitment of rolling out individual cookies. What came out of the oven was a game-changer: thick, chewy cookie bars packed with chocolate chunks and vibrant M&Ms in every bite.

The best part? These bars require minimal effort, and they’re so forgiving. You don’t need to chill dough or fuss over multiple baking sheets. Just mix, pour, and bake. My kids lit up at the sight of the melty chocolate and rainbow colors, and even my husband—who’s usually more of a pie guy—couldn’t stop going back for more. I knew we had a winner when the pan was scraped clean before the day was done.

This recipe isn’t just a treat—it’s a go-to for bake sales, school lunches, and those moments when you want to share something homemade and heartfelt. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll find a permanent spot in your baking rotation. They’re the kind of dessert that makes you look like a rockstar without breaking a sweat.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use different kinds of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Peanut, pretzel, crispy, or even caramel M&Ms all work great. Just stick to the same quantity.

Do these cookie bars freeze well?
Yes! Slice them into squares, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. They taste great even slightly chilled.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be a touch softer but still delicious.

What’s the best way to store these?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy!

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just bake in a larger pan (like a 9×13”) and add a few more minutes to the baking time.

What You Need to Make M&M Cookie Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups M&Ms (plus a few extra for topping)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Tools Needed:

9×9″ baking pan

Mixing bowls

Hand mixer or whisk

Spatula

Parchment paper (for easy removal)

How to Make M&M Cookie Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9″ pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting later.

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking again until fully incorporated.

Add dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.

Fold in the goodies: Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips, reserving a small handful of M&Ms for the top.

Spread and bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle with reserved M&Ms. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.

Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best M&M Cookie Bars

Use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix evenly.

Don’t overbake—the center should look just set. The bars will firm up as they cool.

For crispier edges, bake closer to 35 minutes. For gooey centers, stick to 30.

Add texture with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a swirl of peanut butter.

Want them extra thick? Use an 8×8” pan and increase bake time slightly.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were a huge hit at my daughter’s school bake sale. So easy to make and the kids LOVED them!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I followed the recipe exactly and they turned out great. Next time I might try with peanut butter M&Ms.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a quick weeknight dessert. My whole family devoured them before they even cooled!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasted amazing but mine turned out a little too soft—might bake a few extra minutes next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My toddler helped pour in the M&Ms—super fun to make together and they taste even better the next day!”

Printable Recipe

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