Classic M&M Cookie Bars

Who doesn’t love a delicious, chewy cookie bar loaded with sweet treats? Classic M&M Cookie Bars are a fun and colorful twist on the traditional cookie, featuring the bright, candy-coated M&M’s combined with rich, gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for a family dessert, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat after a meal, these bars are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

What makes these cookie bars so special? The texture is chewy yet slightly crisp on the edges, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the M&M’s and chocolate chips. The addition of brown sugar adds a depth of flavor, while the combination of vanilla and butter makes the bars rich and aromatic. They’re easy to make and don’t require the meticulous shaping of individual cookies, making them an ideal choice when you’re looking for a quicker, fuss-free dessert option. Whether you’re a fan of M&M’s, chocolate, or both, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can have a batch of these irresistible M&M Cookie Bars fresh out of the oven. Get ready to indulge in a chewy, candy-filled treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

These M&M Cookie Bars are simple to prepare with minimal effort. No need to roll out individual cookies—just mix, spread, and bake! The ease of preparation makes them a perfect choice for busy days or last-minute desserts.

2. Chewy, But with Crisp Edges

The texture of these bars is the best of both worlds—soft and chewy in the center, with a slight crispness on the edges. It’s the perfect balance that makes every bite satisfying.

3. Loaded with Flavor

The combination of M&M’s and mini chocolate chips gives these cookie bars a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. Plus, the hint of vanilla and butter adds a rich, comforting flavor that everyone will love.

4. Customizable

You can add your favorite mix-ins to these bars. Feel free to swap out M&M’s for different types of candy or throw in some chopped nuts for an extra crunch. The options are endless!

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookie bars are versatile and great for any event. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday party, picnic, or just a casual get-together, they’re always a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• Granulated sugar
• Golden brown sugar (firmly packed)
• Large eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
• Mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Variations

• Nutty M&M Bars: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Peanut Butter M&M Bars: Use peanut butter chips in place of mini chocolate chips or add a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter to the dough for a rich, nutty twist.
• Double Chocolate M&M Bars: Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter for a deeper chocolate flavor and make them extra chocolaty.
• Colorful M&M Variations: You can mix up the colors of the M&M’s to suit any occasion—red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, or even team colors for a game day treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Stir in M&M’s and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the M&M’s and mini chocolate chips, saving some for topping the bars later.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle additional M&M’s and mini chocolate chips on top for an extra touch of color and sweetness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy while still slightly warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you begin. This helps it blend smoothly with the sugars, ensuring a creamy dough and even texture.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft and chewy ones.

Add Extra Toppings After Baking

To keep the M&M’s and chocolate chips vibrant and intact, sprinkle them on top of the dough before baking, rather than mixing them all in.

Let the Bars Cool Slightly

For easier cutting, allow the cookie bars to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a cooling rack.

How to Serve

These Classic M&M Cookie Bars are perfect on their own, but you can take them up a notch by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. For a fun twist, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over them for added decadence. They also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

These cookie bars freeze well! Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut them into squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

For a warm, gooey treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bake them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt. If you use salted butter, just omit the added salt.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Ensure you use a flour blend that can be substituted 1:1 for regular flour.

3. Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, regular chocolate chips will work just fine. They may create slightly larger pockets of chocolate in the bars.

4. How can I make these bars less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use a mix of dark chocolate chips and M&M’s.

5. Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can customize the bars by adding dried fruit, nuts, or other candies in place of or in addition to the M&M’s and chocolate chips.

6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

7. Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&M’s?

Yes, you can replace M&M’s with other candy-coated chocolates, Skittles, or even mini marshmallows for a fun twist.

8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for later use. Shape it into a log or scoop it into balls and freeze. When ready to bake, just let it thaw and bake as directed.

9. How long should I cool the bars before cutting them?

Let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting them into squares. This allows the bars to set and makes them easier to cut.

10. Can I add more M&M’s on top of the dough?

Yes! Feel free to sprinkle more M&M’s on top of the dough before baking to make them extra colorful and festive.

Conclusion

Classic M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their chewy texture, sweet flavor, and fun pop of color from the M&M’s, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Whether you enjoy them on their own, with ice cream, or as a party treat, these bars are a delicious and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Make them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation!

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