Chewy, buttery, and packed with melty chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s, these M&M Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for when I want something quick, fun, and totally satisfying. Whether I’m baking for a party, filling lunchboxes, or just giving in to a late-night craving, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and straightforward this recipe is—no chilling time or complex techniques. Everything comes together in one bowl, bakes in under 30 minutes, and delivers that perfect balance of chewy edges and soft, gooey centers. The combination of brown sugar and melted butter creates a rich, caramel-like base, while the mix of chocolate chips and M&M’s adds both texture and pops of color that make these bars as festive as they are delicious. It’s also super easy to customize for holidays or themes by switching up the color of the M&M’s.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 and 1/8 cups (265g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (200g) M&M’s (plus more for topping, if desired)
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set it aside.
In a large bowl, I mix the melted butter with the brown and granulated sugars until smooth.
I whisk in the egg, then the egg yolk, and finish by adding the vanilla extract.
Gradually, I stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
I fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, reserving a few to press on top if I want an extra colorful finish.
Next I spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and gently press in the extra M&M’s.
I bake the bars for 28 to 32 minutes, just until the top turns lightly golden brown. They finish setting as they cool.
Once cooled completely in the pan, I cut them into squares and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 24 bars and comes together in about 45 minutes total—that’s 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking. Each bar has approximately 295 kcal.
Variations
When I’m feeling creative or festive, I like to switch things up:
Swap in holiday-themed M&M’s for Christmas, Halloween, or Easter colors.
Use white chocolate or peanut butter chips instead of semi-sweet for a fun twist.
Stir in crushed pretzels or chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.
Add a swirl of caramel or peanut butter into the dough before baking for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
I keep these bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them in layers with parchment paper between each one—they stay good for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy one, I let it thaw at room temp or give it a quick 10-second warm-up in the microwave for that just-baked taste.
Related Recipes:
- M&M Cupcakes Recipe
- Rolo Pretzels with M&M Candies
- M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll
FAQs
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
I look for a lightly golden top and edges that just begin to set. The center might look slightly soft, but it firms up as it cools.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, I can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I make sure it includes xanthan gum for best texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! I double the ingredients and use a large sheet pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
I let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife or even a plastic bench scraper. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep the edges neat.
Can I use different kinds of M&M’s?
Yes! I’ve tried them with peanut M&M’s, crispy M&M’s, and even caramel-filled ones. Each adds a unique twist.
Conclusion
These M&M Cookie Bars are the kind of recipe I keep coming back to—simple, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how easily they come together and how flexible they are for different occasions. Whether I’m baking for a gathering or just want something sweet with minimal fuss, this recipe never disappoints.
📖 Recipe:
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M&M Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy, buttery M&M Cookie Bars packed with melty chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s. This quick and easy dessert is perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or late-night cravings—no chilling required and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
2 and 1/8 cups (265g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (200g) M&M’s (plus more for topping, if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Whisk in the egg and egg yolk, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, reserving a few to press on top if desired.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and gently press in the extra M&M’s.
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. The center may look soft but will set as it cools.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Switch up M&M colors to match holidays or special occasions.
Try different chips like white chocolate or peanut butter for variety.
Fold in chopped nuts or crushed pretzels for added texture.
Add a swirl of caramel or peanut butter before baking for extra flavor.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
