Name: Ultimate M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter; 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups (255 grams) M&M candies; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Crafting delectable M&M cookie bars brings pure joy to any sweet-loving kitchen adventurer.

Colorful chocolate candies scattered throughout a buttery, soft base create an irresistible treat.

Nostalgic memories of childhood snacking blend perfectly with modern baking techniques.

Every bite promises a delightful crunch and sweet surprise waiting to be savored.

Soft, chewy textures mingle with vibrant candy shells, creating a dessert that sparks instant happiness.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll want to whip up a batch and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Blast Through Baking: These M&M Cookie Bars deliver super quick preparation with minimal mixing steps, perfect for bakers who want delicious treats without complicated techniques.
Kid-Friendly Delight: Colorful M&Ms make these bars irresistible to children, creating a fun baking and snacking experience that brings families together in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile bars work wonderfully for casual gatherings, school events, potlucks, and spontaneous sweet cravings with their universally loved chocolate candy crunch.
Simple Ingredient Magic: Using basic pantry staples and just one mixing bowl means less cleanup and more enjoyment, making these bars a stress-free baking adventure for all skill levels.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient 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 creates a smooth, creamy base for the cookie bars.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Add sweetness and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the bars.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Mix-In Ingredient:

M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that add bursts of sweetness and fun texture to the cookie bars.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a rectangular baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Blend until everything looks uniform and smooth.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sugar Base

In a separate large bowl, grab your electric mixer and whip:

Softened butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a fluffy, creamy mixture.

Crack in eggs and pour vanilla extract, then mix until completely combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add your dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Sprinkle colorful M&Ms into the dough and fold them in gently.

Step 5: Spread the Dough

Transfer the dough into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure the surface is smooth and reaches all corners.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using parchment paper edges and slice into delightful squares.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker bars.
Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
Press extra M&Ms on top of the dough before baking for a more colorful and decorative appearance.
For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring equal measurements and adding xanthan gum for better texture.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Swap: Use dairy-free butter substitute, flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and vegan chocolate chips or chunks in place of M&Ms.
Nutty Crunch Variation: Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts alongside M&Ms for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute part of the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.

Sweet School Snack: Pack these colorful bars in lunch boxes for kids to enjoy a delightful midday treat that brings smiles.
Movie Night Dessert: Slice into perfect squares and serve alongside popcorn during family movie time for a fun and nostalgic sugar boost.
Bake Sale Star: Wrap individually in clear cellophane with a cute ribbon for an eye-catching contribution that will sell out quickly at community events.
Birthday Party Favorite: Arrange on a decorative platter with extra M&Ms scattered around for a playful and festive dessert that guests of all ages will love.

Store M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor.
Refrigerate the bars in a sealed container for extended freshness, keeping them good for up to a week while preserving their chewy consistency.
Freeze the bars by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can experiment with various M&M flavors like peanut, caramel, or dark chocolate to create unique taste variations.

How do I prevent the M&Ms from sinking to the bottom of the bars?

Lightly coat the M&Ms in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps distribute them more evenly throughout the bars.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture and consistency.

Can I freeze the M&M cookie bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and taste just as delicious when thawed.

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.

John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.