Chewy M&M Cookie Bars Delicious and Easy Recipe

Name: Chewy M&M Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2.25 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup colorful M&M's candies; 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

ByAisha March 14, 2025December 10, 2025

$To make Chewy M&M Cookie Bars, you need some key ingredients. Each one plays a part in making these bars tasty and chewy. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed light brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup colorful M&M's candies - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) Each ingredient adds flavor and texture. The butter gives richness, while the sugars add sweetness. The egg binds everything together. Vanilla gives a warm flavor that makes these bars special. All-purpose flour gives the bars structure and chewiness, while baking soda helps them rise a bit. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. M&M's bring color and a fun crunch. If you love chocolate, the chocolate chips add even more chocolatey goodness! Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to bake! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly. Line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it turns light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Crack 1 large egg into the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Beat the mixture again until it is fully combined and smooth. In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually pour this dry mix into the butter and sugar mix. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars chewy. Carefully fold in 1 cup of colorful M&M's. If you want, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat. Use a spatula to mix them evenly in the dough without breaking the candies. Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Smooth the top to make it look nice and uniform. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should turn a golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. After baking, let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the bars are cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Arrange them on a plate and serve with a smile! Enjoy your delicious Chewy M&M Cookie Bars! To get those chewy cookie bars, you must not overmix. Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. This keeps the bars soft. Use brown sugar as it holds moisture well. The butter should be softened, not melted. This helps create that perfect chewy bite. To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Make your cookie bars look even better! Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a nice touch. You can also sprinkle sea salt to enhance the flavor. Cut them into fun shapes or use cookie cutters for variety. Serve on colorful plates to make them pop! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugars, leading to a lighter and fluffier texture in your cookie bars. Don't Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars instead of chewy ones. Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to avoid crumbling and ensure clean edges for a neater presentation. Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out M&M's for other candies, nuts, or even dried fruits to create your own unique flavor combinations! {{image_4}} You can switch up the M&M's in your cookie bars. Use peanut, almond, or crispy M&M's for unique flavors. Each type adds a fun twist to your treats. For a festive touch, try seasonal M&M's. They come in special colors for holidays. If you need to avoid certain ingredients, there are good swaps. Use dairy-free butter for a vegan option. You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. For gluten-free bars, choose a gluten-free flour blend. These changes keep everyone happy and safe. Want to get creative? You can add other mix-ins to your cookie bars. Try chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can add sweetness. For extra chocolate, toss in mini chocolate chips. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. The choices are endless! You can store your chewy M&M cookie bars at room temperature. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. They last about 3 to 5 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Want to save some for later? You can freeze the cookie bars! First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, remove the bars from the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll taste like freshly baked cookies! To make your cookie bars chewy, focus on mixing. Do not overmix your dough. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended. This keeps the bars soft. Also, use brown sugar for moisture. It adds to the chewy texture. Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips. Dark chocolate gives a richer taste. You can mix them with M&M's for flavor and color. Just remember that dark chocolate is more bitter than semi-sweet. You can store the cookie bars for up to one week. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tasty. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. You can use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter. Both options work well in this recipe. They can give a different flavor but still taste great. Adjust the amount if needed, keeping it equal to the butter amount. You now have a clear guide to make delicious Chewy M&M Cookie Bars. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to achieve that perfect chewy texture. Remember, you can customize with different M&M’s or additions for a twist! Store them properly to keep them fresh and enjoy this treat at any time. With these easy steps, you'll impress anyone who gets a taste of your cookie bars. Now, it’s time to bake and share your creations!$

Are you ready to bake something truly special? Chewy M&M cookie bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends. This easy recipe combines soft, chewy goodness with colorful M&M’s for a fun twist. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these delicious bars in no time. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your new favorite dessert that everyone will love!

Why I Love This Recipe

Chewy Texture: These cookie bars have a wonderfully chewy texture that makes every bite satisfying and indulgent.
Colorful and Fun: The vibrant M&M’s add a pop of color and make these bars appealing for all ages, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookie bars come together quickly, making them a go-to recipe for busy bakers.
Versatile Treat: You can easily customize these bars by adding different candies or nuts, allowing for endless flavor combinations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

To make Chewy M&M Cookie Bars, you need some key ingredients. Each one plays a part in making these bars tasty and chewy. Here’s what you will need:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– 1 cup packed light brown sugar

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup colorful M&M’s candies

– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Each ingredient adds flavor and texture. The butter gives richness, while the sugars add sweetness. The egg binds everything together. Vanilla gives a warm flavor that makes these bars special.

All-purpose flour gives the bars structure and chewiness, while baking soda helps them rise a bit. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. M&M’s bring color and a fun crunch. If you love chocolate, the chocolate chips add even more chocolatey goodness!

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to bake!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides. This helps with easy removal later.

Creaming the Sugars and Butter

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it turns light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Crack 1 large egg into the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Beat the mixture again until it is fully combined and smooth.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually pour this dry mix into the butter and sugar mix. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars chewy.

Folding in Candies

Carefully fold in 1 cup of colorful M&M’s. If you want, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat. Use a spatula to mix them evenly in the dough without breaking the candies.

Spreading the Dough

Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Smooth the top to make it look nice and uniform.

Baking the Cookie Bars

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should turn a golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Cooling and Transferring

After baking, let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slicing and Serving

Once the bars are cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Arrange them on a plate and serve with a smile! Enjoy your delicious Chewy M&M Cookie Bars!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Chewy Texture

To get those chewy cookie bars, you must not overmix. Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. This keeps the bars soft. Use brown sugar as it holds moisture well. The butter should be softened, not melted. This helps create that perfect chewy bite.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

Presentation Tips for Serving

Make your cookie bars look even better! Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a nice touch. You can also sprinkle sea salt to enhance the flavor. Cut them into fun shapes or use cookie cutters for variety. Serve on colorful plates to make them pop!

Pro Tips

Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugars, leading to a lighter and fluffier texture in your cookie bars.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars instead of chewy ones.
Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to avoid crumbling and ensure clean edges for a neater presentation.
Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out M&M’s for other candies, nuts, or even dried fruits to create your own unique flavor combinations!

Variations

Using Different Types of M&M’s

You can switch up the M&M’s in your cookie bars. Use peanut, almond, or crispy M&M’s for unique flavors. Each type adds a fun twist to your treats. For a festive touch, try seasonal M&M’s. They come in special colors for holidays.

Substitutions for Allergy Considerations

If you need to avoid certain ingredients, there are good swaps. Use dairy-free butter for a vegan option. You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. For gluten-free bars, choose a gluten-free flour blend. These changes keep everyone happy and safe.

Adding Other Mix-Ins or Flavors

Want to get creative? You can add other mix-ins to your cookie bars. Try chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can add sweetness. For extra chocolate, toss in mini chocolate chips. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. The choices are endless!

Storage Info

Room Temperature Storage

You can store your chewy M&M cookie bars at room temperature. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. They last about 3 to 5 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Cookie Bars

Want to save some for later? You can freeze the cookie bars! First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the bars from the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll taste like freshly baked cookies!

FAQs

How do I make my cookie bars chewy?

To make your cookie bars chewy, focus on mixing. Do not overmix your dough. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended. This keeps the bars soft. Also, use brown sugar for moisture. It adds to the chewy texture.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips. Dark chocolate gives a richer taste. You can mix them with M&M’s for flavor and color. Just remember that dark chocolate is more bitter than semi-sweet.

How long can I store Chewy M&M Cookie Bars?

You can store the cookie bars for up to one week. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tasty. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

What can I substitute for butter in the recipe?

You can use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter. Both options work well in this recipe. They can give a different flavor but still taste great. Adjust the amount if needed, keeping it equal to the butter amount.

You now have a clear guide to make delicious Chewy M&M Cookie Bars. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to achieve that perfect chewy texture. Remember, you can customize with different M&M’s or additions for a twist! Store them properly to keep them fresh and enjoy this treat at any time. With these easy steps, you’ll impress anyone who gets a taste of your cookie bars. Now, it’s time to bake and share your creation

Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

Deliciously chewy cookie bars packed with colorful M&M's and optional chocolate chips.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup colorful M&M's candies
0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to help with easy removal later.
Cream the Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture until fully combined and smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually pour this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars chewy.
Fold In Candies: Carefully fold in the M&M's and, if desired, the chocolate chips. Use a spatula to distribute them evenly within the dough without breaking them.
Spread the Dough: Transfer your cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top for a uniform appearance.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Transfer: After baking, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and Serve: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles. Arrange them on a plate and serve with a smile! Enjoy the deliciousness!