If you love the chewy, buttery goodness of classic M&M cookies but want an easier way to make them in bulk, these soft-baked M&M cookie bars are the perfect solution. Imagine the best parts of a soft, chewy cookie packed into a convenient bar form—thick, soft, and loaded with colorful M&M candies. These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet after-school treat. No need to scoop individual cookies—just press the dough into a pan, bake, and slice!
Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to making these easy and delicious M&M cookie bars that are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
What are M&M Cookie Bars?
M&M cookie bars are essentially your favorite soft-baked M&M cookies in bar form. Instead of individually portioning out cookies, the dough is pressed into a baking pan and baked as one big cookie slab, which is then sliced into squares or bars. These cookie bars are soft and chewy with a slightly crispy edge, and they’re packed with M&Ms for a burst of chocolate in every bite. Plus, you can customize them with different M&M varieties depending on the season or occasion!
Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
For the Cookie Bars:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups M&M candies (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
Substitutions and Variations
M&M cookie bars are easy to customize. Here are some ideas to tailor the recipe to your liking or dietary preferences:
- M&M Varieties: Use any type of M&Ms you prefer—milk chocolate, peanut, pretzel, peanut butter, or seasonal M&Ms for different holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free M&Ms or chocolate chips to make these cookie bars dairy-free.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add ½ cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), shredded coconut, or white chocolate chips for more flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bake up a batch of soft-baked M&M cookie bars that are chewy, buttery, and bursting with colorful M&Ms.
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and whisk until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of M&M candies and chocolate chips (if using), reserving some M&Ms to sprinkle on top.
2. Press the Dough into the Pan:
- Transfer the dough to the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring it reaches all the corners.
- Scatter the reserved M&Ms on top of the dough, pressing them lightly into the surface to stick.
3. Bake the Cookie Bars:
- Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. You want the middle to be slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. Slice and Serve:
- Once the cookie bars are fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
How to Cook Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
These cookie bars are incredibly easy to make, but here are a few tips to ensure they turn out soft, chewy, and perfect every time.
- Underbake for Chewiness: For soft, chewy cookie bars, bake just until the edges are set, but the center should still be slightly soft. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for that perfect soft-baked texture.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and ensures clean, even cuts when you slice them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough cookie bars instead of the soft, chewy texture you want.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars as they bake. You want the edges to be golden and the center to be slightly underbaked. Overbaking will result in dry cookie bars.
- Cutting While Warm: If you cut the bars before they’ve fully cooled, they may crumble or break apart. Allow the bars to cool completely for clean, even slices.
Serving and Presentation Tips
M&M cookie bars are fun and colorful, making them a great choice for parties, bake sales, or as a casual dessert. Here are some ideas to serve and present them beautifully:
How to Serve M&M Cookie Bars:
- Serve the bars on a platter or dessert tray, either as they are or with a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- These bars pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Presentation Ideas for M&M Cookie Bars:
- Festive Toppings: For a holiday twist, use seasonal M&Ms (like red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and brown for Halloween) to make these bars festive for any occasion.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: For a fancier touch, drizzle the cooled bars with melted chocolate before slicing. You can use white, milk, or dark chocolate for added flavor and decoration.
- Gift Boxes: Cut the bars into smaller squares and package them in decorative tins or boxes as a fun gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you nail this recipe every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and better texture in the dough.
- Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to mix and match your favorite add-ins. You can add other candies, chopped nuts, or even white chocolate chips to create your own twist on these cookie bars.
- Make-Ahead Option: These cookie bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these cookie bars in a smaller pan?
A: Yes! If you prefer thicker cookie bars, you can bake the dough in a smaller 9x9-inch pan. Keep in mind that you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure the center is fully baked.
Q: How should I store M&M cookie bars?
A: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze M&M cookie bars?
A: Yes! These cookie bars freeze well. After they’ve cooled completely, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Conclusion
Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of M&M cookies with minimal effort. These chewy, buttery bars are packed with colorful M&Ms and are perfect for sharing at parties, bake sales, or as a simple family treat. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a tray of delicious cookie bars ready in no time. Follow the steps and tips in this guide to create a batch of these delightful cookie bars, and enjoy the colorful, chocolatey goodness with every bite!
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Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft-baked M&M cookie bars are loaded with colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips, making them a delicious and chewy treat for any gathering. Baked in a single pan for easy prep, they are perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple dessert at home. Customize with your favorite M&M colors for a festive touch! Keywords: M&M cookie bars, soft-baked cookie bars, chewy M&M cookies, easy cookie bar recipe.
Ingredients
- Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup M&M candies
- ¾ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Optional: Extra M&Ms for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated.
- Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Spread the dough: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Press a few extra M&Ms on top for decoration if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake to keep them soft and chewy.
- Cool and slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan before using the parchment overhang to lift them out. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For an extra gooey texture, slightly underbake the cookie bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 115mg
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