M&M Cookie Bars

Soft & Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

If you love soft, bakery-style cookies loaded with colorful M&Ms, you’ll love these M&M Cookie Bars. They’re thick, buttery, chewy in the middle, and crisp on the edges — basically everything you love about classic cookies, baked into one easy pan.

No scooping, no chilling, no mess. Just mix the dough, press it into a pan, bake, and slice. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun weekend treat when you want something sweet fast.

Why You’ll Love These M&M Cookie Bars

• One bowl, no mixer: You can whip them up in minutes.

• Soft & chewy texture: Thick, gooey centers with golden edges.

• Loaded with chocolate: M&Ms and chocolate chips for the ultimate cookie bar.

• Easy to customize: Swap in peanut butter M&Ms, seasonal colors, or other mix-ins.

• Crowd-friendly: Slice into squares for bake sales, parties, or gifting.

They’re colorful, festive, and completely irresistible — especially when served warm with a glass of milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup butter, melted – The base for soft, chewy bars with buttery flavor.

• 2/3 cup brown sugar – Keeps them soft and adds rich caramel notes.

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and gives light crispness.

• 1 large egg – Binds the dough and gives structure.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Classic cookie flavor.

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The perfect amount for thick but soft bars.

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise slightly and stay chewy.

• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.

• 1/2 cup M&Ms – Adds color and crunch!

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips – Optional, but highly recommended for extra chocolatey flavor.

How to Make M&M Cookie Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

3. Add egg and vanilla: Stir until fully combined.

4. Add dry ingredients: Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until a thick dough forms.

5. Add the mix-ins: Fold in most of the M&Ms and chocolate chips, reserving a few to press on top.

6. Press and bake: Spread dough evenly in the pan and press remaining M&Ms and chips on top.

7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks just set.

8. Cool and slice: Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

These bars are delicious at room temperature but even better slightly warm when the chocolate is melty and gooey.

How to Make M&M Cookie Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

3. Add egg and vanilla: Stir until fully combined.

4. Add dry ingredients: Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until a thick dough forms.

5. Add the mix-ins: Fold in most of the M&Ms and chocolate chips, reserving a few to press on top.

6. Press and bake: Spread dough evenly in the pan and press remaining M&Ms and chips on top.

7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks just set.

8. Cool and slice: Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

These bars are delicious at room temperature but even better slightly warm when the chocolate is melty and gooey.

Perfect for Holidays, Parties, or Everyday Baking

These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re colorful enough for holidays and simple enough for an everyday sweet treat.

If you love soft-baked cookies but want an easier, shareable version — these M&M Cookie Bars are everything you need.

M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

Makes: 9–12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

• 2/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup M&Ms

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar.

3. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.

4. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.

5. Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips.

6. Press dough evenly into the pan and top with extra M&Ms.

7. Bake 18–22 minutes, until golden on top.

8. Cool before slicing into bars.