These M&M cookie bars are gooey, soft and loaded with M&M’s and chocolate chips. So easy to make and perfect for a cookie exchange or holiday party!
Easy Cookie Recipe
I love to bake all types of Christmas cookies during the holidays. There’s just something about baking on a cold winter day that is so cozy! M&M Christmas cookies are one of my favorites, so I thought I’d make a cookie bar variation. The end result was so delicious!
I’m excited to share these delicious M&M cookie bars with you today! They make the perfect treat for a cookie exchange or holiday party. They’re gooey, festive and filled with chocolate chips AND M&M’s! Plus they’re so easy to make, too!
Cookie bars have to be one of my favorites. I’ve made so many different versions, like sugar cookie bars, s’mores bars, congo cookie bars and more. I have to say, this recipe is one of my favorites! I finally perfected them just in time for the holidays and trust me, you want to make them. They are so delicious!
How to Make M&M Cookie Bars
- Wet ingredients. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars with a mixer for 1 minute. Add eggs and vanilla and mix.
- Dry ingredients. Then add flour, baking soda and salt and stir.
- Assemble. Fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips and add dough to a lined 9×13″ pan. Place a few extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top.
- Bake. Bake at 325°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until top is barely golden brown. Allow to cool completely, then remove and slice.
Baking Tips
- Line the pan. Make sure to line your baking pan with foil! Not only does this make clean up easier, but it helps the bars to cook evenly.
- Extra M&M’s on top. To make them extra pretty, add a few M&M’s on top of the dough right before baking (like in picture above). You may also press a few M&M’s on top immediately after the bars come out of the oven.
- Thinner bars. You can bake them in a 15×10″ pan to make thinner bars (the 9×13″ pan results in a thicker cookie).
- Don’t overcook. You want to remove the bars from the oven when the top is barely golden. They may look a little under done, but they’ll continue to set as they cool. You don’t want to over bake them or else they won’t have that perfect gooey center.
- Glaze. A powdered sugar glaze also taste delicious on top. Simply drizzle over the bars once cooled.
- Seasonality. You can make these bars anytime throughout the year. Just pick up colored M&M’s that match the occasion or holiday.
Storing + Freezing
- To store: M&M bars will keep at room temperature stored in an airtight container for about 3 days, or about 5 days in the fridge.
- To freeze: Wrap in foil then place in an airtight container. They will last in the freezer for a couple of months.
5 star review
“Love this recipe!!! So easy to make and grandkids love them.”
-Shirley
More M&M desserts:
M&M Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar , packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus more for tops if desired)
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus more for tops if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large bowl using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda and salt and stir mixture just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s (saving about 1/4 cup for the top).
- For thick bars, line a 9×13" pan with parchment paper or foil. For thinner bars, line a 15×10" pan. Leave an over hang for easy removal. Then spray with non-stick spray. Scoop cookie dough into the pan and press down evenly. Then place extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is barely golden brown. Allow to cool completely, then remove and slice.
These were an instant hit! I took them to a football draft party and then to a Labor Day BBQ. I put them in individual baggies to make it easier to grab and eat. My draft friends were fighting over the few that were left and someone even took off with the one piece the host set aside for himself! They were a big hit at the BBQ too!
I used mini M&Ms in the dough with the chocolate chips and regular ones on top. This is at the top of my go-to-favorites. I was just wondering… Have you ever just baked half? If so, how long did you bake them for?
Hi Kim! I’m so glad to hear they were a hit! I have not baked half, but I would put in an 8×8 pan and start checking about 10-15 minutes ahead of time. However, usually we’ll just freeze the leftovers and they freezer great.
Can these be made into bites in a mini muffin pan?
I haven’t tried, but I don’t see why not. I would just start checking them with a toothpick after about 10 minutes as they will cook a lot faster.
Easy, and delish. Whatever you do, do not overtake.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Cherie :)
I can’t remember if I’ve commented previously or not because I make these bars so often. They are so popular and everyone loves them. Currently have a batch in the over for a friends birthday today. I usually add about 3/4 cup m and m’s or smarties and 3/4 cup chocolate chips as well.
I also substitute coconut oil for butter every single time.
I love making these at Xmas time and adding it to my collection of goodies I bake to give away to friends and neighbours. So quick and easy and makes a ton as I cut them up small. 5 stars!
I’m so glad you the love the recipe and make them so often, Vanessa! They are one of my absolute favorites too :)
I made these tonight using red, white and blue m&ms for the 4th of July. I followed the recipe to a T and if I make again I will definitely add more salt. I don’t think 1 tsp is enough if using unsalted butter. They look very pretty though and baked up well.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the bars, Becky! Have a great 4th of July :)
Made this for my husband and daughter for Valentine’s Day. It was delicious and they loved it! 💝
Perfect Valentine’s treat! So glad they both loved it :)
Great recipe! My go-to for holidays.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you love the recipe. Thanks for your comment and review, Sylvia!
Can you make these cookie bars without the M&Ms and just use chocolate chips?
Yes, of course!
Delicious!! They came out great. The foil is necessary.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
I made these and they came out perfect!!!
I’m so happy to hear that! :)
So easy and delish!!