Description
These Classic M&M Cookie Bars combine everything you love about homemade chocolate chip cookies in one gooey, colorful bar. Perfectly chewy with crisp edges, studded with vibrant M&Ms and melty chocolate chips, they’re an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat for parties, lunches, or anytime you want a quick dessert fix!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus a few extra for topping, optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips using a rubber spatula, reserving a handful of M&Ms for garnishing the top if desired.
- Spread and Top: Spoon the dough into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle remaining M&Ms over the top and gently press them in for a colorful finish.
- Bake: Bake for 23–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks just set (a few moist crumbs on a toothpick is perfect). Don’t overbake for fudgy bars.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out using parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- White whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose for a wholesome touch.
- Mix in chopped nuts or swap the chocolate chips for white or peanut butter chips for variation.
- For neater bars, chill before cutting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
