If you love soft, chewy, and buttery cookie bars packed with colorful, crunchy M&Ms, then these M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect treat! They combine the best parts of classic chocolate chip cookies and blondies, creating a dessert that’s thick, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just a fun weekend treat, these bars will be a huge hit!
🛒 Ingredients for M&M Cookie Bars
✅ 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour – The perfect base for chewy bars.
✅ 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise slightly.
✅ ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor.
✅ 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and keeps the bars moist.
✅ 1 cup (200g) brown sugar – Makes the bars soft and chewy.
✅ ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Adds a slight crispness to the edges.
✅ 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together for the perfect texture.
✅ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
✅ 1 ½ cups (270g) M&Ms – The star ingredient! Use regular or seasonal colors.
✅ ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips – For extra chocolatey goodness.
These ingredients create thick, chewy, and flavorful cookie bars packed with sweetness and crunch!
🍪 How to Make M&M Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan
🔹 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
🔹 Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
🔹 In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars & Butter
🔹 In another bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
🔹 Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Combine & Fold in M&Ms
🔹 Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
🔹 Fold in 1 cup of M&Ms and chocolate chips (saving some for the top).
Step 6: Spread & Bake
🔹 Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
🔹 Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top for a colorful finish.
🔹 Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool & Slice
🔹 Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
🔹 Enjoy your chewy, colorful, and chocolate-packed M&M Cookie Bars!
The Magic of M&M Cookie Bars
M&M Cookie Bars are thicker, softer, and more decadent than regular cookies. Here’s what makes them so special:
- 🍪 Chewy & Buttery Texture – Soft centers with lightly crisp edges.
- 🎨 Bright & Colorful M&Ms – Add crunch, sweetness, and fun pops of color!
- 🍫 Chocolatey Goodness – The perfect balance of melty chocolate and crunchy candy shell.
- 🚀 Easy to Make – No chilling, rolling, or scooping dough—just mix, spread, and bake!
- 🏆 Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, bake sales, or school lunches.
These cookie bars bring pure joy in every bite!
🔬 The Science Behind Their Unique Texture
Ever wonder why M&M Cookie Bars have the perfect chewy, buttery bite? Here’s why:
- Melted Butter – Creates a rich, dense texture instead of an airy, cakey one.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and chewiness due to its molasses content.
- No Chilling Required – Keeps the bars soft and thick without needing extra time.
- M&Ms and Chocolate Chips – The combination of melty chocolate and crunchy candy makes every bite exciting.
The science of baking makes these cookie bars foolproof, delicious, and satisfying!
🎯 Tips for the Best M&M Cookie Bars
✔️ Use Melted Butter – It helps create a dense, chewy texture.
✔️ Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the bars tough instead of soft.
✔️ Save Some M&Ms for the Top – This makes the bars look extra colorful and fun!
✔️ Line the Pan with Parchment Paper – Makes removal and cutting easier.
✔️ Let the Bars Cool – They firm up as they cool, so don’t rush to slice them hot.
These tips guarantee perfectly soft and chewy cookie bars every time!
❤️ Why You’ll Love These M&M Cookie Bars
🎉 Fun & Colorful – A treat that kids and adults will both love!
🍪 Perfectly Chewy – Soft inside with golden, crispy edges.
⏳ Quick & Easy – No chilling or rolling, just mix, spread, and bake!
🥳 Great for Parties – Ideal for birthdays, bake sales, and holidays.
❄️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Store well and taste even better the next day!
Once you try these M&M Cookie Bars, they’ll become a go-to dessert in your home!
🏆 Storage and Freezing Tips
To keep your M&M Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, follow these tips:
- At Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to 10 days.
- In the Freezer – Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
✨ With a Glass of Milk – A classic combo that never fails.
✨ Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce – For an extra indulgent treat.
✨ Topped with Ice Cream – Warm cookie bars + vanilla ice cream = pure bliss!
✨ As a Party Treat – Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
No matter how you serve them, M&M Cookie Bars are always a crowd-pleaser!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use peanut M&Ms or mini M&Ms?
A: Yes! Peanut M&Ms add crunch, while mini M&Ms distribute evenly throughout the bars.
Q: Can I make these without chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! You can use just M&Ms or substitute white chocolate chips for variety.
Q: How do I prevent the bars from being dry?
A: Don’t overbake! The bars continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out when they’re slightly underbaked in the center.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Bake in a larger sheet pan for a party-sized batch.
🍽️ Conclusion
M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of chewy, buttery cookie dough and crunchy, colorful M&Ms. They’re fun, festive, and incredibly easy to make—no rolling or scooping required! Whether you’re baking for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet craving, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the most delicious, chewy M&M Cookie Bars ever! 🍪🌈
