If you're a fan of cookies and candy, then you're in for a treat! These M&M Cookie Bars are a perfect blend of soft, chewy cookie dough and crunchy, colorful M&M candies. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, as a weekend indulgence, or just because you have a sweet tooth, these cookie bars are sure to impress. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. Read on for the full recipe, including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, tips, and more!

What Are M&M Cookie Bars?

M&M Cookie Bars are essentially soft-baked cookie dough infused with everyone's favorite colorful candies – M&M's – and baked in a bar form rather than traditional round cookies. They combine the texture of chewy, buttery cookies with the added crunch and sweetness of M&M candies. Think of them as an upgraded version of a cookie, baked into easy-to-slice, delicious bars.

Ingredients List for M&M Cookie Bars

To get started, gather the following ingredients to create your delicious M&M Cookie Bars:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups M&M candies (feel free to use regular, peanut, or even mini M&Ms depending on your preference)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended for chocolate lovers)

Ingredients List for Topping (Optional)

If you want to add extra flair to your M&M Cookie Bars, consider topping them with one of the following options:

Extra M&M candies for a more colorful finish
A drizzle of melted chocolate for a rich, decadent topping
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness with a salty kick

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about M&M Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can easily make substitutions or variations based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Flour Substitution: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity of gluten.
Sugar Swap: You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option, or use all granulated sugar if you're out of brown sugar (though the flavor may not be as rich).
Butter Substitutes: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make these bars dairy-free. You can also use margarine if you don’t have unsalted butter.
Candy Alternatives: Feel free to switch out M&M candies with other fun chocolate candies, such as Reese’s Pieces or chocolate-covered nuts, to give the bars a twist.
Add-Ins: Toss in some chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even crushed pretzels for added texture and flavor!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making M&M Cookie Bars is as simple as mixing, spreading, and baking. Follow these steps for foolproof cookie bars every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.

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

Gently fold in the M&M candies and, if using, the chocolate chips. The dough will be thick but spreadable.

Step 6: Spread the Dough in the Pan

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. If desired, press a few extra M&M candies on top for a colorful finish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. If you can't wait, slicing while warm is also fine, but be careful as they may be crumbly!

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

Cooking M&M Cookie Bars requires minimal effort, but precision is key to ensuring they turn out perfectly every time. Here’s a step-by-step guide with some pro tips to make sure your cookie bars come out soft, chewy, and irresistible:

Prep your ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients ahead of time. This ensures that the recipe moves along quickly and reduces the chance of mistakes.
Melt your butter properly: You want the butter melted but not too hot. Melt the butter slowly in the microwave or on the stovetop and allow it to cool slightly before combining it with the sugars. This ensures a smooth, creamy batter and prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Don’t over-mix the dough: When you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix only until the flour is just incorporated. Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to denser, less tender bars.
Monitor baking time: Every oven is slightly different, so check the bars around the 25-minute mark. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still be soft. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking: One of the most common mistakes is overbaking the cookie bars. Remember, they will continue to cook in the pan after you remove them from the oven. Pull them out when the center is still soft for a chewy texture.
Not cooling the bars before cutting: It’s tempting to slice into your cookie bars as soon as they come out of the oven, but they will hold their shape much better if you wait until they have cooled.
Skipping parchment paper or greasing the pan: If you skip this step, your bars may stick to the pan, making them difficult to remove. Always line the pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
Forgetting to measure ingredients properly: Precision is important in baking. Make sure to level off your flour and use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To elevate your M&M Cookie Bars, consider the following serving and presentation tips:

Warm from the oven: Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a gooey, melty treat.
Stacked presentation: Arrange the cookie bars in a neat stack on a serving platter for a visually appealing dessert display at parties.
Cutting into different shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut your bars into fun shapes, like stars or hearts, for special occasions.

How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars

M&M Cookie Bars are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:

As a snack: Pack them in lunchboxes or serve them as an after-school snack.
At parties: Place them on a dessert table alongside other treats like brownies or cupcakes.
Holiday gatherings: Dress them up with festive-colored M&M's for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.

Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars

Color-coordinated toppings: Use seasonal or holiday-themed M&M's (like red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter) to make the bars even more festive.
Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cooled bars for a fancy touch.

M&M Cookie Bar Recipe Tips

Storage: Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Making in advance: These bars can be made a day ahead of time, making them perfect for events where you want to do the prep work early.
Reheating: Pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm, melty version the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make M&M Cookie Bars gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.

2. How do I store leftover M&M Cookie Bars? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

3. Can I add other types of candy to this recipe? Absolutely! Try adding Reese's Pieces, chocolate chunks, or even sprinkles for a fun twist.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used as a butter substitute, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor.

5. What type of M&Ms works best? Regular M&Ms work best, but you can also use mini M&Ms, peanut M&Ms, or any variety you like!

Conclusion

M&M Cookie Bars are an easy, delicious treat that combines the best of both cookies and candy in a bar form. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, versatile, and perfect for all kinds of occasions. From birthday parties to holiday gatherings, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit. Now that you have the step-by-step guide, it’s time to grab your ingredients and get baking!