Make these M&M cookie bars recipe that are easy, chewy, soft, and loaded with M&M’s and chocolate chips. These are my go-to bars for any kid’s party or school bake sale. Why? Because they are easy to transport, and kids just love them because of how colorful they are.
I can assure you, once you make them, you will want to make them again and again. Seriously, I mean it. It is that delicious and addictive.
Also, try out my soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie bars.
Why will you love this M&M cookie bar recipe?
- Loaded with M &M and chocolate chips.
- Extremely easy to make, no chilling is needed.
- Made with basic pantry staples.
- Suitable for beginners, kids friendly (my son always makes them independently.).
- Soft, chewy with crispy edges and gooey center.
- Highly customizable and way more delicious than store-bought.
- Can be prepared in advance.
How do you make an M&M cookie bar recipe?
You just need to follow 4 step process to make these delicious M&M cookie bars. Let’s see them.
| Sr. No. | Steps |
| 1. | Mix wet ingredients. |
| 2. | Add dry ingredients. |
| 3. | Combine wet and dry. |
| 4. | Bake, chill, and serve. |
M&M cookie bars ingredients
All-purpose flour – This is the base of our cookie bar. This provides structure and helps everything bind together.
Baking soda – This works as a leavening agent and gives the cookie bar a perfect rise.
Salt – Just a pinch, but it will improve the cookie bar flavor.
Unsalted butter – Use regular unsalted butter, which is at room temperature. This makes our cookies soft, chewy, and gives them that signature brown color to the cookie.
Light brown sugar – This provides the additional moisture, making the cookies soft and also provides a caramelly flavor to the cookies.
Caster sugar – This adds the sweetness and crispy edges. Use caster sugar, or granulated sugar, both are fine.
Egg – Use a room temperature free large egg. This works as a binder that holds everything together.
Vanilla extract – Just a splash of vanilla but adds nice aroma to the cookies.
Chocolate chips – How can we even make a soft, chewy cookie without adding chocolate chips? 🙂 These will make our cookies gooey.
M&M’s – As the name implies, this is the star of the show. This not only provides the crunch and colors to the cookie but also adds an extra touch of sweetness to every bite.
Any substitutes?
All-purpose flour – Replace all-purpose flour with self-rising flour ( skip baking soda in that case) or gluten free flour to make it gluten-free.
Tools needed
- Measuring cups / measuring spoons – to measure ingredients.
- Weighing scale – to precisely measure ingredients, especially flour.
- Spatula – to mix the cookie bar batter.
- Whisk – to mix the butter and sugar mixture.
- Baking pan – to bake the cookie bars.
- Parchment paper – to line the baking pan for easy removal of the cookie bar.
- Mixing bowls – To prepare cookie bar mixture.
M&M cookie bars (step-by-step) recipe
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the cookie bars. Set aside.
- Sift all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, add melted unsalted butter and both sugars (white and brown). Whisk until there are no lumps of brown sugar.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract and beat again until combined.
- Now add, chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Start mixing with a spatula until everything comes together.
- Gently fold and prepare the cookie dough. It will be very sticky and soft, but don’t worry. That is how it is supposed to be.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it into a nice, flat layer using a spatula. Sprinkle some chocolate chips and M&M’s on top.
- Bake in preheated oven at 350F or 180C for 25 to 30 minutes or until it is brown from the sides.
- Perform the toothpick test. The toothpick should come out clean with very few crumbs attached to it.
- Add some chocolate chips and M&M’s when the cookie is still warm. It will stick to the cookie bars and give them a nice colorful look.
- Transfer the cookie bars to a wire rack to cool down for at least 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, remove the parchment paper.
- Cut the cookie bar into 16 squares.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to serve?
Here are some of my recommendations.
- Plain and warm – Believe me, it tastes heavenly. Enjoy the cookies immediately after you cut them into squares. They will be easy to hold but still gooey and chocolate from inside.
- Ice cream – Have you ever eaten a warm chocolate brownie with a cold vanilla ice cream? It’s my favorite and tastes out of this world. Same goes with this warm and gooey cookie bar and a vanilla scoop.
- Kids tiffin – This homemade chewy cookie bar makes a great snack for kids’ tiffin. I make them at least once every alternate month.
- Coffee – Coffee and cookies can never go wrong :). Pair with your favorite coffee and relish as a perfect afternoon snack.
Watch me making it (video)
Storing and freezing instructions for the M&M cookie bars recipe
Just like any other cookie, you can store these cookie bars at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer.
Storing instructions
Room temperature – I would highly recommend covering the individual cookie bars with cling wrap and storing them in an airtight container. They will stay ok for up to 5 to 7 days. This will keep the cookie bar moist for a long period of time and also save it from outside odor.
Refrigerate – Once wrapped, refrigerate the cookie bars for up to 2 weeks.
If you need to save them after this period, freezing is the option you should opt for.
Freezing instructions
For freezing, wrap the individual cookie bar once it is completely cooled down. And freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziplock. They will stay on for up to 2 months.
Thawing instructions
When you want to enjoy the cookie, either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or couple of hours at room temperature. If in a hurry, just microwave it for a few seconds, and you’re good to go. In fact, this is the best way to enjoy it as a gooey cookie, as chocolate will melt and make it gooey.
Variations
These M&M cookie bars will taste the best as is but in case if you want to add something, here are my recommendations.
- Add a variety of M&M’s – I am using simple, regular milk M&M’s in this recipe. Feel free to mix it up with different flavors such as peanut butter M&M’s, mini M&M’s, or dark chocolate M&M’s.
- Add nuts – For a nutty flavor and extra crunch, add in some walnuts, almonds, or pecans in the cookie bar dough.
- Swirl Nutella or caramel – Swirl in some Nutella or salted caramel in the end, just before baking, and upgrade the cookie bar to the next level.
Secret tips to make the M&M cookie bars recipe
- Do not overmix – Mix just enough to make the dough after adding the all-purpose flour. Overmixing will form the gluten, making our cookie bars dense.
- Avoid overbaking – Take the cookie bar out when its edges are set, and it is a slight golden color on top. Don’t worry if they still look a little raw to you, it will continue to cook in the pan until it is set.
- Let the cookie bars cool – For a perfect square, give the cookie bar at least 30 minutes to cool down. If you cut when it is still warm, it will not ruin the taste but will ruin the taste of the cookie bar.
- Add M&M’s after baking – Store some M&M’s in the end and press them gently on the warm cookie. It not only looks colorful but also adds a little crunch on top.
FAQs
Can I skip chocolate chips?
Yes. You can skip chocolate chips and increase the quantity of M&M’s by 1.5 cups.
Can I use bigger pan?
Yes, just double the quantity for 9 x 13 inch pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop a comment below, and I will be happy to answer them.
Want to try some other cookie bars / cookies recipes?
Did you make it?
Did you make the M&M cookie bars yet? I would love to hear your comments about it. Please let me know in the comments section below. Your feedback matters to me a lot.
When you try this recipe, do not forget to post it on Instagram and tag @dessertkatta or use #dessertkattarecipes.
Recipe card
Chewy M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Description
Make the perfect M&M cookie bars with crispy edges and a gooey center with my easy-to-follow recipe. Grab your ingredients and let's get started.
