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Classic M&M Cookie Bars


  • Author: Ellie
  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chewy, buttery, and packed with colorful chocolate candies, these Classic M&M Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy treat. With crisp golden edges, gooey centers, and a fun, nostalgic flavor, they’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or a cozy weekend bake. No chilling, no scooping—just press, bake, and enjoy!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup M&M candies, plus extra for topping

  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  3. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

  4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

  6. Add M&Ms & Chips: Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using), reserving a few M&Ms for topping.

  7. Press & Bake: Spread the dough evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle extra M&Ms on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and center is just set.

  8. Cool & Slice: Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for best texture.

Let bars cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Add nuts, peanut butter swirls, or seasonal M&Ms for variety.

Store in an airtight container to keep bars soft and chewy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cookie bars, M&M bars, easy dessert, bake sale recipe, chocolate bar cookies, chewy cookie bars