M&M Cookie Bars

Looking for the perfect dessert that combines soft cookie texture with colorful candy crunch?
These M&M Cookie Bars are exactly what you need. Easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with the nostalgic flavors of classic cookies, they’re the ultimate bake-sale or weekend treat.

These cookie bars come together in one pan and deliver that rich, buttery cookie flavor you love—loaded with chocolate chips and M&M candies in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a party or want to treat your family, this recipe will become a fast favorite.

Why You’ll Love These M&M Cookie Bars

• Soft, chewy texture with slightly crisp edges
• Loaded with melty chocolate chips and crunchy M&Ms
• Perfect for birthdays, school snacks, or potlucks
• Bakes in one pan—no scooping dough needed
• Easy to slice and store

This is a great beginner-friendly recipe that yields consistent, delicious results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

• 1 ⅓ cups M&M candies, divided
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Add-Ins

• White chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts
• Sprinkles for a birthday version

These ingredients create the perfect dough that bakes into golden bars with a rich flavor and chewy bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
Leave a bit of overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out once cooled.

This step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredient

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside—this will be folded in later.

This dry mix is the base structure of your cookie bars.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed.

This step adds air to the dough and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

The eggs help bind the dough, while the vanilla adds richness to the flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.

The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate

Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup of the M&M candies and all of the chocolate chips.
This ensures even distribution of chocolate and candy in every bite.

Reserve the remaining M&Ms for topping.

Step 7: Press and Decorate

Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan.
Press it evenly into the corners with clean hands or the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms over the top and press them lightly into the surface.

This not only looks great but ensures the topping sticks during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 30 minutes.
You’re looking for golden edges and a center that is just set but not overbaked.

The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so pull them from the oven once the top is lightly golden and the middle is slightly soft to the touch.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Let the bars cool completely before lifting them out of the pan.

Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.

You can go large for bakery-style treats or cut smaller bars for parties and sharing.

Tips for Success

• Always start with room temperature butter for easy creaming.
• Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added—this keeps the bars tender.
• Use parchment for easy lift-out and neat edges.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Variations and Substitutions

Peanut Butter Version
Add ½ cup peanut butter to the dough and reduce butter by ¼ cup.

Holiday M&M Bars
Use seasonal M&Ms (red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter).

Nutty Option
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Gluten-Free Option
Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

How to Store M&M Cookie Bars

At Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

In the Fridge
Keep them chilled for up to 1 week. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer Friendly
Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Why These Cookie Bars Are Perfect for Parties

They’re colorful, chewy, and easy to make in bulk.
No need for multiple cookie sheets or scooping individual cookies.
Simply bake, slice, and serve.

You can even set up a cookie bar at parties with toppings like frosting, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Kids and adults alike love them.

Print

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different candy besides M&Ms?
Yes, try chopped candy bars, peanut butter chips, or sprinkles for a twist.

Why do my bars turn out dry?
They may be overbaked. Start checking around 22 minutes and remove once the center is set but soft.

Can I halve the recipe?
Yes. Use an 8×8-inch pan and reduce baking time to around 18–22 minutes.

Are these good for lunchboxes?
Absolutely. Wrap them individually for an easy treat-on-the-go.

Can I double the batch?
Yes, bake in a rimmed half-sheet pan and increase baking time slightly.

Final Thoughts

M&M Cookie Bars combine everything we love in a dessert: chewy texture, buttery flavor, and colorful candy crunch.

They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always a hit at any event.

With simple pantry staples and a single baking dish, you get a classic treat in under an hour.

Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to bar recipe for every occasion.