No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars are a sweet, chewy, and chocolatey treat that brings all the goodness of cookie dough without the need for baking! These bars are packed with colorful M&M candies, rich chocolate chips, and a buttery cookie dough base. Perfect for parties, holidays, or when you’re craving a quick and easy dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Required – A perfect no-bake treat!
- Safe to Eat – No eggs or raw flour needed.
- Quick & Easy – Just mix, chill, and enjoy.
- Loaded with Chocolate – Packed with M&Ms and chocolate chips.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and colorful dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter (softened)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Heat-treated all-purpose flour
- Salt
- Mini chocolate chips
- M&M candies
Optional Chocolate Topping:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
Directions
- Prepare the Flour – Heat-treat the flour by microwaving it in 30-second intervals or baking at 350°F for 5 minutes to kill bacteria. Let cool.
- Mix the Dough – In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and milk, then mix in heat-treated flour and salt.
- Add the Chocolate – Stir in mini chocolate chips and M&M candies.
- Press into a Pan – Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the dough evenly and press it down firmly.
- Optional Topping – Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream and spread over the bars for extra indulgence.
- Chill & Slice – Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist: Mix in ¼ cup peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts or crushed pretzels.
- White Chocolate Version: Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate.
- Holiday Theme: Use seasonal M&M colors for festive treats.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before eating.
- Room Temperature: Keep at room temp for a softer texture, but no longer than a day.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour without heat-treating it?
No, raw flour can contain bacteria, so it’s important to heat-treat it first.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, milk, and chocolate alternatives.
How do I make these bars firmer?
Chill them longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Can I use regular-sized M&Ms?
Yes, but mini M&Ms distribute better in the dough.
Do I need an electric mixer?
No, but it helps make the dough extra smooth and fluffy.
Can I skip the chocolate topping?
Absolutely! They’re delicious with or without it.
How do I prevent them from being too sweet?
Use dark chocolate chips or add a pinch of sea salt.
What can I use instead of M&Ms?
Try Reese’s Pieces, chopped chocolate bars, or candy-coated peanuts.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and chill slightly longer.
Are these safe for kids?
Yes! They contain no eggs and use heat-treated flour for safety.
Conclusion
No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars are an easy, fun, and delicious treat that satisfies your cookie dough cravings without baking. Whether you serve them at parties, share them with friends, or enjoy them as a sweet snack, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy every chocolatey, chewy bite!
Print
No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars are a soft, chewy, and chocolatey treat made with egg-free cookie dough and loaded with colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips. Perfect for when you need a quick and delicious dessert—no oven required!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough Base:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated*)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup M&M candies
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
- 1/4 cup M&Ms (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour (Important for food safety!)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread flour on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Let cool completely before using. (Alternatively, microwave flour in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches 165°F.)
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Mix in milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add heat-treated flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips and M&Ms.
Step 3: Press into a Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour over the cookie dough and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with extra M&Ms for a fun, colorful touch.
Step 5: Chill & Slice
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until firm.
- Slice into 12-16 bars and serve!
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swap 1/4 cup of butter for peanut butter for a nutty flavor!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and heat-treat as usual.