Everyone will love these thick and chewy M&M Cookie Bars that are packed with colorful candies and come together in only 35 minutes!
M&M cookie bars are a soft, chewy, and colorful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, baked conveniently in one pan for easy slicing and sharing. Packed with rich brown sugar flavor and loaded with chocolate candies in every bite, these thick, buttery bars have crisp edges and a tender, gooey center that everyone will love.
For more M&M Treats you have to check out my Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies, Dark Chocolate Monster Cookies, and M&M Pretzel Bars.
Table of Contents
Why We Love M&M Bars
- These M&M Cookie Bars are great for holidays—Fourth of July, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, birthdays, or any holiday season. Just change the M&M colors to match your favorite holiday or party theme like my Valentine’s M&M Cookie Bars.
- M&M Cookie Bars stay fresh and chewy for days, making them perfect for a quick snack.
- Even beginners can nail this M&M Cookie Bars recipe—no dough chilling or special ingredients needed.
Recipe Ingredients
- M&M Candies: Adds bursts of chocolatey sweetness and a fun, colorful crunch.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars perfectly and gives a nice, slightly crispy exterior.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings out all the warm, cozy flavors in the cookie bars.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Brown Sugar Variation: If you want a deeper, molasses flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of regular brown sugar. For a milder, sweeter taste, light brown sugar works perfectly too.
- M&M: You can switch the classic milk chocolate M&M’s with peanut butter, dark chocolate, peanut, caramel, brownie, mini, or any of the fun M&M candy flavors. This keeps the bars exciting and delicious!
How to Make M&M Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the butter. Melt on half power for 1-2 minutes or until almost melted. Whisk to completely melt.
Step 3: Add sugars, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture by hand for 30 seconds. Let the batter rest for 30 seconds, then beat again for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking soda. Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, mix until combined. Fold in 1 cup of M&M’s.
Step 5: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Using the spatula, spread the cookie dough into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of M&M’s on top.
Step 6: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cookie bars are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
Expert Tips
- Cool on a Wire Rack: After cooling in the pan for 20 minutes, transfer the bars to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting.
FAQs
Yes, you can use a stand mixer to mix the ingredients. Just be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can affect the texture of the cookie bars.
Feel free to stir in extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Just keep the total amount similar to the original recipe to keep that perfect texture.
Storage Info
To STORE your M&M Cookie Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. To FREEZE, wrap the bars tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
More Delicious Desserts to Try
M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 tbsp. 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp. coarse kosher sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 1/4 c. M&M’s - divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the butter. Melt on half power for 1-2 minutes or until almost melted. Whisk to completely melt.
- Add sugars, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture by hand for 30 seconds. Let the batter rest for 30 seconds, then beat again for 30 seconds.
- Add the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking soda. Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, mix until combined. Fold in 1 cup of M&M's.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Using the spatula, spread the cookie dough into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of M&M's on top.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cookie bars are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
I loved how the M&Ms added crunch and color, such a fun treat.
These are one of my favorite cookies. I make them with holiday m&ms for holidays and regular m&ms for in between 😂
Very simple and great for a last minute dessert.
M&Ms are something I almost always have on hand to add to a quick treat.