Description

Delightfully chewy and colorful M&M’s cookie bars packed with chocolate chips, these treats combine the classic flavors of a chocolate chip cookie with the fun crunch of M&M’s candies. Perfect for snacking, parties, or lunchbox treats, these bars feature a soft, buttery base with bursts of chocolate and vibrant candy-coated chocolates throughout.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins

1 cup M&M’s candies (plus extra for topping, if desired)
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, if desired)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with nonstick spray and lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together evenly to ensure your leavening agents and salt are well distributed.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air, lending tenderness to the bars.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in texture.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so mix gently until no streaks of flour remain.
Fold in candy and chocolate chips: Carefully fold in the M&M’s candies and semisweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without breaking them.
Spread dough in pan: Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and spread it evenly. For an extra colorful and chocolatey finish, sprinkle additional M&M’s and chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22-27 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown and the center is set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture.
Cool the bars: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. This cooling period firms them up, making them easier to cut into squares.
Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares. Enjoy them as a delightful snack paired nicely with a cold glass of milk.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough cookie bars.
For extra chewy bars, slightly underbake by checking a minute or two before the minimum baking time.
If you prefer, use peanut butter M&M’s for a peanut-flavored twist.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Room temperature eggs ensure better mixing and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: M&M's cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, easy cookie bars, colorful cookie bars, dessert bars