Name: Easy Cookie Bars with M&Ms
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 20
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled for about 5 minutes; 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups mini or regular-sized M&Ms; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both simple to whip up and irresistibly delicious, look no further than Easy Cookie Bars with M&Ms. These delightful treats combine the classic cookie flavor with the colorful, crunchy addition of M&Ms, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, these cookie bars are the perfect go-to recipe.Indulge your sweet tooth with our delicious Cookie Recipes! Elevate your baking game, unleash your inner chef, and satisfy those cravings with our mouthwatering options.

Let’s bake up some delightful treats! 🍪😋

One Easy homemade Pan sized cookie cut into multiple bars

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Creating these Cookie Bars with M&Ms is a breeze, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making them perfect for quick homemade treats. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of rich, buttery cookie base and the vibrant crunch of M&Ms, offering an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that are sure to please any sweet tooth.

Love a good cookie bar? We do too! Try our Sheet Pan Oatmeal Cookies!

Ingredients For Easy Cookie Bars

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

How To Make M&M Cookie Bars

1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Position the oven rack in the center.
Spray a 9×13-inch metal or glass baking pan with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.

2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until no lumps of brown sugar remain.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.

4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a large spoon or silicone spatula until combined. The dough will be thick and slightly slick.
Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. Note that they may not stick well at first due to the melted butter, but mix as best as you can.

5: Bake the Bars

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
Bake for 26–30 minutes, or until the edges and top are lightly browned. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (not wet). Avoid over-baking. If the bars start to brown too quickly before 25 minutes, tent the pan with foil.
The bars will puff up in the oven but will settle as they cool.

6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour.
Once cooled and cut into squares and serve!

Storing Your Homemade Cookie Bars

Once you’ve baked a batch of these delightful cookie bars, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible. To store your cookie bars, simply place them in an airtight container.

At room temperature, these bars will maintain their soft and chewy texture for about 5 to 7 days. It’s important to keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight to prevent them from becoming stale or losing their vibrant color.

Freezing Your Cookie Bars

If you find yourself with more cookie bars than you can enjoy within a week, freezing them is a great option. To freeze, allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

When stored properly, your cookie bars can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that freshly-baked taste and texture.

Easy Cookie Bars with M&Ms | The Wooden Spoon Effect

Delicious Variations

One of the joys of making Easy Cookie Bars with M&Ms is the opportunity to get creative with variations. For a festive touch, use seasonal M&Ms like pastel colors for Easter or red and green for Christmas.

You can also mix in other ingredients such as chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for an extra layer of flavor. For a more indulgent version, try topping the bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookie Bars

To achieve the perfect batch of cookie bars, consider these helpful tips and tricks.

1- Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make the bars tough.

2- Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking and check the bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time, as overbaking can lead to dryness.

3- For an even distribution of M&Ms, reserve some to sprinkle on top of the dough before baking. This not only ensures every bite has some colorful candy but also adds a visually appealing touch to the finished product.

Easy Cookie Bars with M&Ms are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert that you can enjoy any time of the year. With simple storage methods, the option to freeze, and endless variations to explore, they’re a fantastic addition to any home baker’s repertoire.

So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!