Soft M&M Cookie Bars

These Soft M&M Cookie Bars are chewy, thick, and packed with colorful M&Ms and gooey chocolate chips. They’re the bar version of your favorite chocolate chip cookie—but easier, faster, and made without a mixer or dough chilling. With golden, buttery edges and soft centers, this is the perfect crowd-pleasing treat for holidays, parties, or an indulgent afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Mixer Needed: Just a bowl, whisk, and spatula.
• No Dough Chilling: From bowl to oven without waiting.
• Super Soft Texture: Thanks to melted butter and cornstarch.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes a large 9×13-inch batch.
• Customizable: Use different M&M colors for holidays or themes.

Ingredients

• 2 and 3/4 cups (343g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted & cooled for 5 minutes
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups (260g) mini or regular-size M&Ms
• 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat Oven & Prep Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch metal or glass baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking. Set aside.

Combine Dry Ingredients

3. In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
   • Set aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients

4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together:
   • Melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and lump-free.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.

Combine and Fold in Add-ins

6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until a thick, slick dough forms.
7. Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. (They may not stick well due to the melted butter texture—this is normal.)

Spread and Bake

8. Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan.
9. Use a spatula or clean hands to press and smooth the dough evenly into all corners.
10. Bake for 26–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
11. If the bars begin to brown too quickly before 25 minutes, loosely tent with aluminum foil.

Cool and Slice

12. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
13. While still warm, you can gently press additional M&Ms or chocolate chips on top for visual appeal (optional).
14. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into squares.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use parchment with overhang to lift and cut clean slices.
• Don’t overbake—this keeps the centers soft and chewy.
• Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips.
• Crush a few M&Ms and sprinkle on top for texture and color contrast.
• Add holiday-colored M&Ms to match seasonal themes.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Serve at parties, potlucks, or pack in lunchboxes.
• Decorate with buttercream or frosting for birthdays or holidays.
• Stack and wrap in cellophane as a homemade gift.

Storage / Reheating

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled bars for up to 3 months.
• To Serve from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 1 hour.

FAQs

Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Yes. If omitting, increase M&Ms to 1 1/2 cups (about 300g) to keep the ratio balanced.

What kind of M&Ms work best?
Regular or mini, or a mix! You can also use seasonal M&Ms for themed bars.

Do I need to chill the dough?
No! This is a no-chill recipe designed for fast prep.

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for 3 months. Bring to room temp before baking.

Can I frost them?
Totally optional—but yes! Try chocolate or vanilla buttercream piped on top for fun.

Conclusion

These Soft M&M Cookie Bars are everything you want in a quick dessert: chewy, colorful, rich, and ridiculously easy. No mixer, no fuss, no waiting—just melt, mix, press, and bake! Whether you’re baking for a holiday crowd or a cookie craving, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

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