Easy M&M Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips | YumAndJoy

Easy M&M Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips

Make dessert fun with these M&M cookie bars! Loaded with chocolate chips and a buttery, chewy texture, they’re an effortless way to satisfy your sweet tooth. These colorful, soft-baked bars are perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a quick treat to share with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Chewy and buttery texture – Just like your favorite cookies but in easy-to-cut bars.
  • Perfect for a crowd – Makes a big batch for sharing.
  • Quick and easy – No need to scoop individual cookies.
  • Customizable – Swap out M&Ms for seasonal colors or different mix-ins.
  • Kid-friendly – A fun and colorful treat that everyone loves.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 2 cups M&Ms

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Mix the Dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and 1 ½ cups of M&Ms (reserving the rest for topping).
  5. Assemble and Bake – Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms on top.
  6. Bake – Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and Slice – Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 36 bars
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 37-40 minutes

Variations

  • Peanut Butter Twist – Swap half the butter for ½ cup peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
  • White Chocolate Version – Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
  • Oatmeal M&M Bars – Add 1 cup of oats for a heartier texture.
  • Holiday-Themed Bars – Use seasonal M&Ms for festive occasions.
  • Nutty Crunch – Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week for extra freshness.
  • Freezing – Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap bars individually for easy snacking.
  • Reheating – Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of M&Ms?

Yes! Peanut, caramel, or pretzel M&Ms all work great in this recipe.

How do I make these bars extra chewy?

Do not overbake! Remove from the oven when the center is slightly soft.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to ½ teaspoon.

How do I cut clean, even bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars before slicing helps too.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.

Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?

Yes! If using an 8×8-inch pan, halve the recipe and bake for about 25-30 minutes.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, these bars bake perfectly without chilling.

Can I add more mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try adding toffee bits, coconut flakes, or crushed pretzels for extra flavor.

What if my bars are too dry?

This usually happens if they’re overbaked. Check them at 30 minutes to prevent dryness.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor, but you can substitute ¾ cup vegetable oil if needed.

Conclusion

These Easy M&M Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips are the ultimate sweet treat—chewy, buttery, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Whether for a bake sale, party, or afternoon snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy every colorful, chocolate-filled bite!

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Easy M&M Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips

Easy M&M Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 36 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make dessert extra fun with these Easy M&M Cookie Bars! Loaded with chocolate chips, colorful M&Ms, and a buttery, chewy texture, these bars are the perfect crowd-pleasing treat. Great for parties, bake sales, or whenever you need a quick and delicious dessert!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups light or dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups M&Ms
  • 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Mix the Dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips.
  5. Bake – Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool & Slice – Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Want extra gooey bars? Slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
  • Swap M&Ms for peanut butter chips or chopped nuts for a fun twist.
  • For a festive look, use holiday-themed M&Ms!
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies & Bars, Party Treats
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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