Scrumptious M&M Cookie Bars Recipe for Sweet Snacking Joy

Baking delectable M&M cookie bars will transport you to a world of sweet, colorful indulgence.

These classic treats blend soft, chewy textures with vibrant candy crunch.

Each bite delivers a delightful burst of chocolate and rainbow-hued M&M candies nestled in a buttery, golden base.

The simple recipe combines pantry staples with playful candy surprises.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will adore this crowd-pleasing confection.

Whip up a batch and watch faces light up with pure sugary joy.

M&M Cookie Bars Make Snacking Fun

• Perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or quick snack breaks with minimal cleanup required.
• Packed with colorful M&Ms that make these bars irresistible to kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the gathering will love them.
• Requires simple ingredients most bakers already have, with straightforward mixing steps that even beginner bakers can master without stress.
• Swap out M&M colors for seasonal themes or special occasions, making these bars versatile for holidays, birthday parties, or potluck gatherings.

Gathering Ingredients for M&M Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie bars.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a soft and tender texture in the bars.
• Baking Soda: Ensures the bars rise and achieve a light, fluffy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor to the bars.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, buttery base and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the soft texture of the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• M&M Candies, Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of chocolate flavor and colorful texture throughout the cookie bars.

Tools for Baking Colorful Cookie Bars

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized cookie bars.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining dry ingredients.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for mixing wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending sugars, butter, and eggs.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helps mix dough and fold in candies.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Toothpick: Helps check doneness of cookie bars.
• Knife: Used for cutting cooled bars into squares.

Directions for M&M Cookie Bar Success

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Cover a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure some paper hangs over the sides for easy removal.

Position the oven rack right in the middle of the oven.

Step 2: Blend Dry Components

In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt using a whisk.

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly mixed without any clumps.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

Using a medium-sized bowl, whisk melted butter with sugars until the mixture looks smooth and uniform.

Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything blends perfectly.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until a cohesive dough forms.

Fold in colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips.

The dough will feel soft and dense.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly across the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 26-30 minutes.

Look for a light golden-brown color and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean.

If the top starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the cookie bars rest in the pan on a wire rack for at least one hour.

For extra pizzazz, press a few additional M&Ms onto the warm surface.

Once completely cooled, lift out the bars using the parchment paper overhang and slice into delightful squares.

Handy Tips for M&M Bar Perfection

• Line the baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for simple removal and clean cutting of cookie bars.
• Add cornstarch to the flour mixture for extra softness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite.
• Cover the bars with foil if they're browning too quickly, ensuring even baking without burning the edges.
• Press extra M&Ms on top of warm bars for a vibrant, colorful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
• Allow bars to cool completely in the pan for at least one hour, which helps them set and makes cutting cleaner and easier.

M&M Cookie Bar Combinations

• Gluten-Free M&M Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select vegan chocolate chips and M&Ms.
• Nutty Chocolate Bar Variation: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and rich nutty flavor throughout the cookie bars.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content by half and add unsweetened applesauce for moisture.

Serving M&M Cookie Bars Creatively

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange bars on a colorful platter with extra M&Ms scattered around for a festive, playful presentation that screams celebration.
• Movie Night Delight: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle, creating a decadent dessert perfect for cozy movie evenings.
• Lunchbox Treat: Pack individual bars in small sandwich bags for kids' school lunches or adults' midday snack, adding a burst of colorful joy to mealtime.
• Potluck Perfection: Stack bars on a tiered dessert stand, letting the vibrant M&Ms peek through, making them an eye-catching addition to any community gathering.

Smart Storage for Cookie Bars

• Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, chewy texture.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can dry out the bars.
• Warm bars at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent edges from becoming too crisp and maintain soft center.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use any variety of M&Ms like peanut, caramel, or crispy. Just ensure the total amount remains consistent with the original recipe.

• Is cornstarch really necessary for these cookie bars?

Cornstarch helps create a softer, chewier texture and prevents the bars from becoming too crisp or dry. It’s a key ingredient for achieving the perfect consistency.

• What if I don't have parchment paper?

You can grease the baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Parchment paper makes removing bars easier, but it’s not absolutely essential for the recipe.

• Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to use gluten-free M&Ms as well.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich m&m cookie bars combine classic chocolate chip cookie dough with colorful candy pieces for a delightful treat. Chewy edges and gooey centers make these bars irresistible for kids and adults seeking a sweet afternoon snack.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (343 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (200 grams) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Mix-Ins:

• 1 1/4 cups (260 grams) mini or regular-size M&Ms
• 3/4 cup (135 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by heating the oven to 350F (177C). Create a parchment paper sling in a 9×13-inch pan, ensuring edges overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
3. In a separate bowl, blend melted butter with sugars until smooth and uniform. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Gently merge wet and dry ingredient mixtures, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Carefully fold chocolate chips and M&Ms throughout the mixture, creating a rich, textured batter.
5. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and pressing gently to create a uniform layer. Bake for 26-30 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness with a toothpick test.
6. If edges brown too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately one hour.
7. Optional: While bars are still warm, strategically press additional M&Ms onto the surface for enhanced visual appeal. Once fully cooled, utilize parchment overhang to lift and slice into square servings.

Notes

• Customize Texture: Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch for softer, more cake-like bars that remain moist and tender.
• Dietary Swap: Replace regular M&Ms with gluten-free or vegan chocolate candies to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature around 190-200°F for perfectly consistent doneness across the entire pan.
• Storage Strategy: Store bars in an airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain freshness and prevent sticking for up to 5 days at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg