M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're looking for a dessert that’s sure to please everyone, look no further than M&M cookie bars. These gooey, colorful bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, holiday party, or simply a craving for something sweet. Loaded with M&M candies and the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies, these bars are easy to make, fun to customize, and absolutely irresistible. So, keep reading to learn how to whip up this delightful treat with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

What Are M&M Cookie Bars?

M&M cookie bars are essentially a variation of traditional chocolate chip cookies, baked in a pan and cut into bars instead of individually portioned cookies. The dough is thick and chewy, with a buttery flavor that’s enhanced by the crispy candy shells and melty chocolate centers of M&M candies. What makes these bars special is the rich texture—crunchy on the edges and soft in the middle—and the burst of color from the M&Ms, making them both visually appealing and deliciously sweet. They're easier to bake than cookies, and there's no need to scoop out individual portions!

Ingredients List for M&M Cookie Bars

To get started, you'll need a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here's the list of everything you need to make a batch of these scrumptious M&M cookie bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For a rich, buttery flavor.
• 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel taste.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: For that perfect balance of sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the bars structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and flavor.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie bars rise.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
• 1 ½ cups M&M candies: The star of the show—use classic or any variation you prefer.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds even more chocolate goodness.

Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

If you want to take your M&M cookie bars to the next level, consider adding one or more of these optional ingredients:

• ½ cup chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
• ½ cup shredded coconut: For a hint of tropical flavor.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract: Complements the vanilla and gives a richer flavor profile.
• ½ cup peanut butter chips: To make it even more indulgent.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about M&M cookie bars is how versatile they are. Whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions or want to experiment with flavors, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.

• Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the package instructions for any necessary adjustments.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
• Sugar-Free: You can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol in place of granulated sugar and brown sugar.
• Different M&M Flavors: Try using peanut, pretzel, or caramel M&Ms for a different flavor profile.
• Healthier Version: Swap half of the flour for whole wheat flour and reduce the amount of sugar by about 25%.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing as it can make the bars tough.

4. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1 cup of the M&Ms and all of the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. This helps distribute the candy and chocolate evenly throughout the dough.

5. Spread the Dough

Press the dough evenly into your prepared 9x13-inch pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure the bars bake evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms on top for extra color and texture.

6. Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The center may still look slightly underbaked, but it will firm up as the bars cool.

7. Cool and Cut

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

How to Cook M&M Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking M&M cookie bars is as simple as following the steps above, but here are some extra tips to ensure perfect results:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before starting. This helps the ingredients mix together more evenly, creating a smoother dough.
2. Don’t Over-Mix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to denser bars.
3. Monitor Baking Time: Depending on your oven, the bars may cook slightly faster or slower than the recommended time. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, even if the center seems soft.
4. Cooling: Let the bars cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though M&M cookie bars are pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

• Overbaking: The bars should be golden on the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can result in uneven dough and less fluffy bars.
• Cutting While Warm: If you cut the bars too soon, they may crumble or fall apart. Be patient and let them cool completely for cleaner cuts.

Serving and Presentation Tips

M&M cookie bars are so delicious they hardly need any embellishment, but if you want to take your presentation to the next level, here are some ideas:

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars

Serve your M&M cookie bars as-is, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. They also go well with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top.

Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars

• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some extra chocolate chips and drizzle over the top of the bars for a fancy touch.
• Sprinkle Powdered Sugar: Dust the tops of the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive look.
• Cut into Fun Shapes: Instead of traditional squares, use cookie cutters to make shapes like hearts, stars, or circles.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Store them properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
• Double the recipe: These bars are always a hit, so don’t hesitate to double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon: For a subtle twist, try adding ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use mini M&Ms instead of regular M&Ms?

Yes, mini M&Ms work just as well and distribute more evenly throughout the dough. You can even mix both regular and mini for extra texture and flavor.

Can I freeze M&M cookie bars?

Absolutely! Once the bars are fully cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, M&M cookie bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Can I use peanut butter M&Ms?

Definitely! Peanut butter M&Ms will add an extra layer of flavor, making the bars even more indulgent.

Conclusion

M&M cookie bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for all occasions. Whether you're baking for a special event or just craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to hit the spot. With simple ingredients, plenty of room for customization, and an easy-to-follow recipe, you'll be whipping up these delicious bars in no time. Give them a try today, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations and tips mentioned to make them your own!

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