M&M Cookie Bars

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Creamy pockets of chocolate, a buttery, slightly chewy base, and the cheerful crunch of colorful M&M candies — M&M Cookie Bars are the kind of dessert that makes every gathering instantly brighter.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baking, Easy

Servings: bars

Calories: 250kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Baking Pan
Spatula

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1 cup brown sugar packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup M&M candies whole (reserve a few for the top if desired)
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until just blended; do not overmix.
Fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips with a spatula, saving a few M&Ms to press on top for a pretty finish. The dough will be thick — that’s normal.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top and press remaining M&Ms gently into the surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Edges should be slightly firm.
Allow the pan to cool on a wire rack until the bars are set, at least 30 minutes. Once cool, cut into squares or bars and enjoy!

Notes

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition