Classic M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Classic M&M Cookie Bars are thick, chewy, and packed with colorful chocolate candies in every bite. These easy-to-make dessert bars have the buttery goodness of cookies but are baked in a pan for a fuss-free treat. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or anytime you need a quick sweet fix!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No scooping or chilling—just mix, spread, and bake
• Soft, chewy texture with crispy edges
• Loaded with M&M’s and melty chocolate chips
• Perfect for parties, bake sales, or holiday treats
• Easily customizable with different flavors and add-ins

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, melted
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• M&M’s (regular or mini)
• Chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Add dry ingredients: Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
4. Fold in chocolate: Stir in M&M’s and chocolate chips (if using).
5. Spread and bake: Evenly press the dough into the prepared pan and sprinkle extra M&M’s on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool and slice: Let cool before cutting into bars for clean slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Peanut Butter M&M Bars: Add ½ cup peanut butter to the batter.
• Double Chocolate: Use a chocolate cake mix base instead of flour.
• Holiday Version: Swap M&M’s for seasonal colors (Christmas, Easter, Halloween).
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze bars in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Microwave for a few seconds to restore softness.

FAQs

Can I use mini M&M’s instead of regular ones?

Yes! Mini M&M’s work great and distribute more evenly.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, the bars bake well without chilling.

How do I make them extra soft and chewy?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar and avoid overbaking.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, an 8×8-inch pan will make thicker bars but may need extra baking time.

Should I press the dough firmly into the pan?

Yes, but don’t compact it too much—just spread it evenly.

Can I add white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! They add a great contrast to the M&M’s.

How do I get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely before cutting with a sharp knife.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and chocolate alternatives.

What’s the best way to transport these bars?

Stack them with parchment paper in an airtight container for easy transport.

Can I add oats for texture?

Yes, substitute ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewier bite.

Conclusion

Classic M&M Cookie Bars are the ultimate chewy, chocolate-filled treat that’s quick and easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a party, a school event, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these colorful dessert bars are always a hit. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch and chew!

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