Name: M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 14 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 cups M&Ms (regular or mini); 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Extra M&Ms for sprinkling on top

Sweet M&M cookie bars have a magical way of lighting up any dessert table with colorful bursts of chocolate joy.

Packed with vibrant candy pieces, this recipe promises a delightful twist on classic cookie treats.

Soft, chewy textures merge perfectly with crunchy candy shells in every single bite.

Kids and adults alike cannot resist these playful bars that bring instant smiles.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, making this an ideal weekend baking project.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the rich, buttery base that complements those signature candy-coated gems.

You might want to grab an extra napkin because these bars are seriously addictive and guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

Boost Colorful Excitement: Packed with vibrant M&Ms, these cookie bars bring instant visual joy and playful energy to any dessert spread.
Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: Perfect for gatherings, parties, and potlucks where everyone craves a sweet, chocolatey bite that appeals to all ages.
Master Simple Baking Skills: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps, requiring minimal baking expertise and delivering impressive results every single time.
Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding extra chocolate chips or swapping M&M colors to match specific themes or personal preferences, making it adaptable for any occasion.

Cookie Base:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie bars that provides a soft and chewy texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.

Sweeteners and Binding:

Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like depth to the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft, tender texture of the bars.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

Flavor and Decoration:

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that add bursts of sweetness and fun visual appeal to the cookie bars.
Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient that adds extra chocolate flavor and melty pockets throughout the bars.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F.

Prep your 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or laying down parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Melted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended, creating a rich golden base.

Step 3: Add Egg Magic

Crack eggs into the sugar mixture one at a time.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly until everything looks creamy and integrated.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Make sure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed with no lumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Fold in Colorful Treats

Gently fold in:

M&Ms
Chocolate chips

Distribute them evenly throughout the dough for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Spread the Joy

Transfer the dough to your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 8: Add Extra Pizzazz

Sprinkle additional M&Ms on top for a pop of color and extra sweetness.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Slice into squares and enjoy your colorful, chocolatey creation!

Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of bars.
Avoid overmixing the dough to keep bars soft and tender, stirring just until ingredients combine.
Reserve some M&Ms to sprinkle on top for a colorful, visually appealing finish.
Check bars at 25 minutes and remove when edges are golden and center has slight moisture for chewy texture.
Keep bars in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft consistency.

Gluten-Free Variation: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Cookie Bars: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use vegan butter, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the chocolate and M&Ms.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and opt for sugar-free chocolate chips to create a lighter dessert option.

Sweet Party Platter: Arrange M&M cookie bars on a colorful serving tray with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert spread.
Afternoon Tea Treat: Pair these bars with hot coffee or cold milk, creating a perfect midday snack that satisfies sweet cravings.
Ice Cream Companion: Serve warm cookie bars topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting the warm-cool combination create a mouthwatering experience.
Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with a cute ribbon, making them perfect homemade gifts for friends and family gatherings.

Store cooled M&M cookie bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture loss and maintain soft, chewy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different types of M&Ms in the recipe?

Yes, you can use any flavor or color of M&Ms to customize your cookie bars and make them more fun and personalized.

How do I know when the cookie bars are fully baked?

Look for golden edges and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the bars are perfectly baked.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, you can directly spread the dough in the pan and bake. Chilling isn’t necessary for this recipe.

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.

Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.