There’s something magical about M&M’s chocolate chip cookie bars. They combine the best of both worlds: the chewy, gooey goodness of classic cookies and the playful burst of color and flavor from M&M’s candies. I remember the first time I baked these—a simple recipe that turned into a delightful treat for friends who came over for a gathering. It was a hit, with everyone raving about the comforting aroma wafting from the kitchen while I paired it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The beauty of these cookie bars lies in their versatility—they’re perfect for rustic family desserts, birthday celebrations, or even an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee.
The exterior boasts a golden-brown crispiness, while the inside remains soft and chewy, creating a fantastic textural contrast. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from the candies, making them feel like a celebration for your taste buds. They are simple to whip up, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and they make a large batch perfect for sharing—or enjoying all by yourself.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick to prepare with minimal fuss.
- Bursting with chocolatey flavor and fun colors.
- Perfect for parties and gatherings, providing endless smiles.
- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins or variations.
- A super satisfying treat that’s uniquely comforting.
"These cookie bars are a blast of flavor and nostalgia!"
Step-by-step overview
Making M&M’s chocolate chip cookie bars is a delightful experience that involves minimal hands-on time. You’ll mix your dry ingredients, blend in the wet, and fold in your M&M’s before baking. The result is a batch of warm, chewy bars ready to be sliced and enjoyed by all.
What you’ll need
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups M&M’s
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Butter: Use a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.
- M&M’s: You can substitute with other candies or chocolate chunks.
- Flour: An all-purpose gluten-free blend can be used as a substitute.
Cooking method
To make M&M’s chocolate chip cookie bars, you’ll follow a straightforward process that results in an incredible treat. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pan. Then mix the dry ingredients followed by the wet ingredients, incorporating the colorful candy pieces at the end. Bake until golden brown, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that will fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, until well-combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice into bars and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Let the bars cool completely for the best flavor and texture before slicing.
Look for a golden top and a slight jiggle in the center to determine if they’re done baking. As they cool, they will firm up, leading to a perfectly chewy texture that’s irresistible.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with sugars.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the bars tender.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
- Store the dough in the fridge for a couple of hours before baking for enhanced flavor development.
Best ways to enjoy it
These bars are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top. A drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce can also take the indulgence up a notch. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your M&M’s chocolate chip cookie bars, make sure they are completely cool before sealing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for a week. If you want to extend their life, they freeze well—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
Troubleshooting
If your cookie bars turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or measuring too much flour. Ensure that you perform spooning and leveling when measuring your flour. If they seem too greasy, cutting back on the butter or using unsalted butter can help.
If the bars end up too hard, either reduce the baking time next time or add a touch more butter or an extra egg for moisture.
Creative twists
Mix it up by adding nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch. You can also include oats for a chewier texture. For a festive touch, use seasonal M&M’s, like the red and green ones during the holidays. You might even use butterscotch or peanut butter chips for an exciting change of flavor.
Common questions
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’ll achieve a similar great taste and texture.
How do I store leftover cookie bars?
Once cooled, store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them to extend freshness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it reach room temperature before baking for the best results.
What other candies can I use?
Feel free to use your favorites! M&M’s come in many varieties, and you can also try chocolate chunks, raisins, or even dried fruit for a fruity twist.
How can I tell when the cookie bars are done baking?
Keep an eye on the edges. They should be golden brown while the middle is slightly set but not completely firm. A toothpick test is also a great way to check for doneness.
These M&M’s chocolate chip cookie bars offer a blend of nostalgia and joy, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Each bite is not just a treat, but a delightful experience sure to bring smiles all around.
M&M's Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, until well-combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the M&M's and chocolate chips to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice into bars and enjoy!