M&M’S Cookie Bars

These M&M’S Cookie Bars are a fun and colorful treat that everyone will love! Perfect for celebrations like the 4th of July or any festive occasion, these cookie bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the playful crunch of Red, White & Blue M&M’S. Easy to make and even easier to share, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookie bars come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of buttery cookie dough with chocolate chips and M&M’S creates a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: Adjust the colors of M&M’S to suit any holiday or celebration—just swap out the colors for different occasions!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping make these bars, from mixing the dough to adding their favorite candies on top.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delightful M&M’S Cookie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9×13 aluminum baking dish
• Foil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Mixing spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to blend butter and sugars until fluffy—no strenuous mixing by hand!
• 9×13 aluminum baking dish: Perfect size for creating thick cookie bars that bake evenly.
• Foil: Lining the pan with foil helps with easy removal, ensuring you can cut perfect squares without mess.

Ingredients

These easy cookie bars loaded with Red, White and Blue M&M’S and mini chocolate chips are the perfect 4th of July Dessert.

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of firmly packed golden brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt

For Topping

• 1 1/2 cups of Red (White & Blue M&M’S, plus more for topping)
• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

How to Make M&M’S Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a 9×13 aluminum baking dish with foil. Leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Then spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in your eggs one at a time while continuing to mix. Then add in the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed. Gradually add in your flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined; do not over-mix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’S

Add in your M&M’s and mini chocolate chips. Gently fold them into the cookie dough using a spatula. Reserve some for topping.

Step 7: Transfer Dough to Baking Dish

Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Press additional M&M’s and mini chocolate chips into the top of your cookie dough for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Step 9: Bake

Place in your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 10: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious M&M’S Cookie Bars!

How to Serve M&M’S Cookie Bars

M&M’S Cookie Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the chewy cookie bars.
• Try adding a scoop of mint chocolate chip for a refreshing twist.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce enhances the rich flavors.
• Caramel sauce can also be used for an extra touch of sweetness.

Served with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tart balance to the sweetness.
• Blueberries can be mixed in for an added burst of flavor.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the cookie bars perfectly.
• You can add a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Combine with brownies, fruit tarts, and cookies for a varied dessert spread.
• This is perfect for gatherings where guests can sample multiple treats.

How to Perfect M&M’S Cookie Bars

Perfecting M&M’S Cookie Bars is easy if you follow these tips. With simple adjustments, you can make this treat even more delicious.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This makes it easier to cream the butter and sugars together, resulting in a fluffy texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined helps keep the bars soft and chewy instead of tough.
• Chill the Dough: Letting the cookie dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes can enhance flavors and improve texture.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Add Extra Toppings: Press additional M&M’S and mini chocolate chips on top before baking for visual appeal and extra flavor.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allowing them to cool ensures clean cuts and prevents them from falling apart.

Best Side Dishes for M&M’S Cookie Bars

Pairing your M&M’S Cookie Bars with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.

2. Milkshake
   A thick chocolate or vanilla milkshake pairs perfectly with cookie bars, creating a classic combination.

3. Pudding Cups
   Chocolate or vanilla pudding cups provide a creamy texture contrast to the chewy bars.

4. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites offer rich flavors that complement the sweetness of cookie bars.

5. Coffee
   A cup of brewed coffee enhances flavors and provides a delightful contrast to dessert sweetness.

6. Nut Mix
   A savory nut mix adds crunchiness and offsets the sugariness of cookie bars nicely.

7. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that balances indulgence with health.

8. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
   The salty-sweet combo makes for an enjoyable snack alongside your cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To create perfect M&M’S Cookie Bars, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Room Temperature Butter: Using cold butter can lead to dense bars. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal fluffiness.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Adding too much flour can make your cookie bars dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can toughen the bars. Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Baking too long can result in hard cookie bars. Check for doneness a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick—moist crumbs should stick.
• Failing to Cool Completely: Cutting warm cookie bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store M&M’S Cookie Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep them at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Freezing M&M’S Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating M&M’S Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming each bar for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making M&M’S Cookie Bars.

Can I use different types of M&M’s?

Yes! You can customize your cookie bars by using any variety of M&M’s, such as peanut or caramel.

How can I make my M&M’S Cookie Bars more colorful?

Add additional colored M&M’s or sprinkle some edible glitter on top before baking for a festive touch.

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?

You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Adjust based on consistency.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

These M&M’S Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any celebration or just as an everyday treat. Feel free to customize with different candies or nuts to suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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M&M’S Cookie Bars

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful world of M&M’S Cookie Bars, a colorful and fun treat perfect for any occasion! These chewy bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the playful crunch of vibrant Red, White & Blue M&M’S. Simple to prepare and even easier to share, they are a sure hit at potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. With just a few straightforward steps, you can create these delicious dessert squares that will be adored by kids and adults alike. Customize them with your favorite M&M’S colors to celebrate any festive event!

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Ingredients

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• 2 sticks room temperature butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed golden brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups Red, White & Blue M&M'S (plus more for topping)
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually incorporate flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
5. Fold in M&M'S and mini chocolate chips gently.
6. Spread dough evenly in the prepared dish and top with extra M&M'S and chocolate chips.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (60g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg