These M&M Cookie Bars are a fun and delicious treat that blends the best of cookies and brownies. They’re soft, chewy, and filled with colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips, making them a perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just in the mood for something sweet, these cookie bars will satisfy your cravings.

M&M Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these M&M Cookie Bars because they’re incredibly easy to make, and they come together without any chilling or complex steps. The dough is simple to prepare, and it’s packed with the delicious combination of chocolate chips and M&Ms. They’re also highly customizable, so I can tweak them for different flavors and occasions. Plus, these bars are so fun to look at with the vibrant M&Ms, making them a hit at any party or family gathering!

Ingredients

Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1⅓ cups M&M candies, divided
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in 1 cup of M&Ms and the chocolate chips.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Top with the remaining ⅓ cup of M&Ms, pressing them gently into the dough.
Bake for 22–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Holiday Themes: Use seasonal M&Ms to fit the occasion—red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
Add-ins: Mix in crushed pretzels or nuts for a salty-sweet combination.
Flavor Twist: Add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Chocolate Variety: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but if you do, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to ½ teaspoon.

Can I use mini M&Ms?

Absolutely! Mini M&Ms work great in this recipe and add a fun twist to the texture and look of the bars.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, there’s no need to chill the dough. You can mix everything and go straight to baking!

Can I use a glass baking dish?

While a metal baking pan is preferred for even heat distribution, you can use a glass baking dish. Just be aware that baking times might vary slightly.

How can I tell when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the top is golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Conclusion

These M&M Cookie Bars are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, especially when you’re looking for something quick and easy. They offer the best of both worlds—chewy, soft, and packed with colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or just to enjoy as a treat, these cookie bars will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.