Name: Soft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 39 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup M&M candies; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Soft-baked M&M cookie bars burst with childhood nostalgia and sweet memories.

Colorful candies dot the creamy landscape like playful confetti.

Memories of after-school treats come flooding back with each chewy bite.

Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, sugary hug.

Quick and simple ingredients transform into a dessert that sparks joy.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves captivated by the irresistible blend of textures.

Grab a glass of cold milk and get ready to indulge in pure deliciousness.

Place cooled cookie bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and delicious. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
Warm refrigerated or frozen bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or restore crispness by briefly heating in oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes until slightly warm and edges crisp up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or other colorful candies like Reese’s Pieces.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, this recipe doesn’t require chilling. You can mix and spread the dough directly into the pan for soft, chewy bars.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips make these bars irresistible for kids and adults alike.
Customize with Ease: Swap out M&Ms for different flavors or add nuts to make the recipe uniquely yours.
Minimal Cleanup Delight: One-bowl mixing and simple ingredients mean less mess and more enjoyment.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure and texture to the cookie bars.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, moist texture.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a chewy, golden-brown surface.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the bars.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

Mix-In Ingredients:

M&Ms, Chocolate Chips: Bring colorful bursts of chocolate and fun texture to the soft-baked bars.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab a baking pan and give it a quick spray of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Make sure everything is blended smoothly with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat together:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract, then mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Don’t overmix!

Now fold in:

Colorful M&Ms
Chocolate chips

Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer that reaches all the corners.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center.

The bars will continue to set as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into squares.

Serve and enjoy the gooey, chocolatey goodness!

Add an extra egg yolk for more moisture and a softer texture that keeps bars tender and rich.
Reserve some candies to press into the top of the dough before baking for a more colorful and visually appealing surface.
Use an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan to ensure even baking and consistent bar height throughout the dessert.
Brown the butter before mixing to develop a nutty, caramel-like undertone that elevates the overall taste of the cookie bars.
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain softness and prevent sticking.

Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Magic: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based eaters.
Healthier Option: Reduce sugar by using coconut sugar, add rolled oats for extra fiber, and incorporate dark chocolate chips for antioxidants.
Nut-Lover's Version: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans, swap some chocolate chips with crushed walnuts for added crunch and protein.

Party Platter Paradise: Arrange cookie bars on a colorful platter with extra M&Ms scattered around for a festive, eye-catching dessert presentation.
Sweet Sidekick Pairing: Serve with cold milk, vanilla ice cream, or a warm chocolate drizzle to elevate the cookie bar experience and add delightful complementary flavors.
Gifting Goodness: Package individually wrapped bars in clear cellophane with a cute ribbon for homemade gifts that will make friends and family smile with delicious appreciation.
Breakfast Twist: Enjoy these soft cookie bars as a weekend morning treat with coffee or as a quick grab-and-go breakfast companion for busy mornings.

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.

Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

The Gooey Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe You’ll Adore