If you’re searching for that perfect combination of chewy cookies and colorful fun, then Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars are about to become your new obsession. These thick, buttery cookie bars are packed with melty chocolate, pops of crunchy M&Ms, and just the right touch of vanilla. They’re easy to whip up, crowd-pleasing, and honestly irresistible—the kind of treat everyone gathers in the kitchen for, hoping to snag the first square right out of the pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is brilliantly straightforward, relying on ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Each element brings something special, creating that perfectly soft, gooey texture dotted with bright, sweet candies. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: The classic base that gives structure and chewy thickness to your cookie bars.
- Baking soda: Just a teaspoon adds a gentle lift for that soft-baked texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor in the bar.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The secret to rich flavor and a tender bite—let it come to room temp for maximum creaminess.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture, depth, and that signature chewiness you crave in cookie bars.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens things up and helps the tops bake up beautifully golden.
- Eggs, room temperature: These bind everything together and make your bars luscious and moist.
- Vanilla extract: For that warm, homestyle aroma that makes these bars truly bakery-worthy.
- M&M candies: The star of the show! Use regular, mini, or themed colors for a festive twist and delightful crunch.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For extra puddles of chocolate—highly recommended for the ultimate treat!
How to Make Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light coating of nonstick spray. The parchment makes it a breeze to lift out your cookie bars for perfect slicing and serving.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything gets evenly distributed and prevents accidental salty bites—nobody wants that! Leave this bowl aside while you cream the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture turns light, creamy, and a bit fluffy. This step is key for those soft, melt-in-your-mouth bars, so don’t rush it.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each goes in. Stir in the vanilla, soaking up the heavenly aroma as you go. Your batter should look smooth and glossy now—a sign you’re off to a delicious start.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add your bowl of dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Mixing by hand here helps keep things tender instead of tough—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
Here comes the fun part: use a spatula to fold in the M&M candies and, if you’re feeling decadent, the chocolate chips. Go easy so you don’t break up those gorgeous candies.
Step 7: Spread and Decorate
Scoop the soft dough into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly (an offset spatula works wonders here). For extra pizzazz, press a handful of extra M&Ms into the top—this makes the bars look bakery-quality after baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan onto the middle rack and bake for 22-25 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges appear golden and the center looks just set. Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaking is the secret to keeping these Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars chewy, not cakey.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Let your pan cool completely before attempting to slice—the hardest part is waiting, I promise! Once cool, use the parchment to lift the bars out, then cut into squares for sharing (or keeping all to yourself—no judgment).
How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Try showering the bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after they emerge from the oven to highlight the flavor—or drizzle a little melted chocolate on top for truly show-stopping presentation. For parties, edible glitter or themed M&M mixes add instant seasonal flair.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with these cookie bars than a cold glass of milk, but they’re also dreamy alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For coffee lovers, enjoy them with a steaming mug for the ultimate cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a kid-friendly party, cut the bars into smaller rectangles and skewer them on popsicle sticks. Try stacking several layers with parchment between as a DIY cookie bar “cake,” or wrap individual bars in cellophane for the cutest take-home favor ever.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, these Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Just keep them tightly sealed to maintain that signature softness—if your kitchen is humid, add a slice of bread to the container; it’ll keep the bars from drying out.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Individually wrap cooled bars in plastic, then tuck them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months—just let them come to room temperature before enjoying, or microwave gently to revive their fudgy centers.
Reheating
If you love warm treats, just pop a bar in the microwave for 10-12 seconds for gooey, just-baked magic. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for an instant dessert upgrade.
FAQs
Can I use different types of M&Ms in Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in peanut, peanut butter, or even crispy M&Ms in place of the classic milk chocolate variety. Each one gives the bars a unique flavor and texture.
How can I tell when the bars are finished baking?
Check for lightly golden edges and a center that looks just set—the bars will continue to firm up as they cool. If you love extra gooey centers, bake them on the lower end of the time range.
Are Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars suitable for freezing before baking?
It’s best to bake the bars before freezing, as the candy coating on M&Ms can bleed color during storage. Bake as directed first, cool, then freeze for the best results.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure the texture of your dough matches the original recipe before baking for optimal results.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Let the bars cool fully, then use a sharp chef’s knife, wiping it clean between cuts. For really sharp edges, refrigerate the pan for 15 minutes before slicing—the bars will hold their shape perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste these Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. There’s nothing like that first bite—chewy, colorful, and pure joy in bar form—so go ahead and give them a try. I can’t wait to hear what new traditions you create around this irresistible treat!
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Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the chewiness of a cookie with the ease of a bar. Loaded with colorful M&M candies and optional chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Dry Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
Additional:
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, fold in M&M candies and chocolate chips, spread dough in pan, top with extra M&Ms, and bake for 22-25 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a festive touch, use seasonal M&M colors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
