Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe

These Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars combine the rich, buttery flavor of classic chocolate chip cookies with the colorful crunch of M&Ms, all in an easy-to-make bar form. With their soft, chewy texture and bursts of candy-coated chocolate, these cookie bars are perfect for sharing at parties, bake sales, or just enjoying as an after-dinner treat. Best of all, they come together in one pan—no need to scoop out individual cookies! Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a batch of these irresistible cookie bars that everyone will love.

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What are Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars?

Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are the bar version of the classic M&M cookie, made by pressing cookie dough into a baking pan and baking it as one large slab. This method produces soft, chewy cookie bars with golden edges and a soft, gooey center, perfect for cutting into squares and serving. The dough is similar to traditional chocolate chip cookie dough but is studded with M&Ms for a fun, colorful twist. These bars are easy to make, require no chilling or rolling, and are a great way to serve cookies to a crowd without having to bake multiple batches.

Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars

Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients for the cookie dough and M&M filling:

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups M&Ms (regular or mini)
• Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness

For Garnish (Optional):

• Additional M&Ms for pressing on top before baking

Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars (Double Check)

Here’s a quick double-check to make sure you have everything ready:

For the Cookie Bars:

• The combination of light brown sugar and granulated sugar gives these bars their chewy texture and soft, sweet flavor.
• Room-temperature butter and eggs ensure the cookie dough comes together smoothly, creating a uniform, creamy texture.
• You can use regular M&Ms, mini M&Ms, or even peanut M&Ms for a different texture and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

These soft-baked M&M cookie bars are highly customizable, allowing you to make substitutions or try fun variations based on your preferences or dietary needs.

1. Flavor Variations:

• Peanut Butter M&M Bars: Use peanut butter M&Ms for a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate. You can also add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough for an even richer flavor.
• Holiday-Themed Bars: Use seasonal M&Ms (like red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, or red, white, and blue for the 4th of July) to create festive cookie bars for special occasions.
• Oreo M&M Bars: Add crushed Oreo cookies to the dough for a cookies-and-cream twist on these bars.

1. Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and substitute dairy-free M&Ms to make the bars dairy-free.
• Vegan Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of regular eggs. Ensure the M&Ms are vegan-friendly.

1. Texture Modifications:

• Crispier Bars: For slightly crispier edges, bake the bars for an additional 3-5 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
• Extra Chewy Bars: To make the bars even chewier, reduce the granulated sugar to ⅓ cup and add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

1. Add-ins:

• Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of semisweet or milk chocolate chips for even more chocolate in every bite.
• Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Pretzels: Crushed pretzels can add a salty contrast to the sweet M&Ms, creating a delicious sweet-and-salty treat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making soft-baked M&M cookie bars from scratch.

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

2. Fold in the M&Ms

• Stir in the M&Ms: Using a spatula, gently fold in the M&Ms (and any other add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Press the dough into the pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Add extra M&Ms on top (optional): For a colorful, festive look, press a few extra M&Ms into the top of the dough before baking.

3. Bake the Cookie Bars

• Bake: Bake the cookie bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. The bars should still be soft and slightly underbaked in the middle, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Cool: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For easier cutting, you can refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes to firm them up.

4. Cut and Serve

• Slice and serve: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

How to Cook Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to make these delicious cookie bars:

1. Cookie Dough: Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in the dry ingredients.
2. Mix-ins: Fold in the M&Ms and any other add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
3. Bake: Press the dough into a 9x13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
4. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Be sure to keep an eye on the bars while they bake. You want the edges to be lightly golden, but the center should still be soft and slightly underbaked to ensure the bars stay chewy.
• Skipping Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for slicing. If you don’t use parchment, be sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
• Not Allowing the Bars to Cool: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices. Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to fall apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas to serve and present your soft-baked M&M cookie bars beautifully:

How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars

• Serve at Room Temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature for the perfect soft, chewy texture.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars

• Colorful M&Ms: Press extra M&Ms into the top of the dough before baking for a colorful, eye-catching presentation.
• Holiday Themes: Use holiday-themed M&Ms (like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter) to match the occasion.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Drizzle the cooled bars with melted chocolate or white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure the dough mixes together smoothly and evenly.
• Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week for extra freshness.
• Make Ahead: You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, bake the bars in advance and freeze them for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make soft-baked M&M cookie bars in advance?
Yes! You can bake the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

2. How long do soft-baked M&M cookie bars last?
These bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can last up to 1 week.

3. Can I freeze M&M cookie bars?
Absolutely! To freeze the bars, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I use mini M&Ms instead of regular ones?
Yes, mini M&Ms work just as well in this recipe. They distribute more evenly throughout the dough and add even more bursts of color and chocolate in every bite.

5. How do I make the bars extra chewy?
To make the bars extra chewy, reduce the granulated sugar slightly and increase the brown sugar. You can also underbake the bars slightly and let them cool in the pan for a chewier texture.

Conclusion

Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, offering the nostalgic flavor of M&M cookies in an easy-to-make bar form. With their soft, chewy texture and colorful bursts of chocolate, these bars are a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just a sweet snack, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress. Customize them with your favorite add-ins, cut them into squares, and enjoy these delicious bars with family and friends!

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