M&M Cookie Bars
M&M Cookie Bars combine the nostalgic crunch of colorful candies with rich, chewy chocolate chips in an easy-to-make dessert. Ready in under 30 minutes, these bars offer a perfect balance of chewy texture and slightly crispy edges, ideal for family gatherings, snacks, or anytime indulgence.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Total Time: 32-35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (for peanut butter twist)
- White chocolate chips (substitute for semisweet chips)
- Yogurt-coated chocolates (nut-free candy option)
- Chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture
- Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Gather all ingredients.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined and slightly glossy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until no flour streaks remain to avoid overmixing.
- Add M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly without breaking the candies.
- Bake the Bars: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 22 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better blending and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep bars tender.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Choose quality M&Ms or your favorite flavor variety for best taste.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: M&M Cookie Bars, chewy cookie bars, colorful candy bars, easy dessert, quick cookie bars, family-friendly dessert, gluten-free cookie bars