Craving something sweet, soft, and irresistible? Look no further! These soft-baked M&M cookie bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a weekday indulgence. Packed with vibrant M&M candies and soft, chewy cookie goodness, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite. Keep reading to discover how to make these easy, delicious cookie bars that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What Are Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars?
Soft-baked M&M cookie bars are a delicious combination of chewy cookie dough loaded with colorful M&Ms and baked into bar form, making them thicker and softer than traditional cookies. They combine the buttery richness of chocolate chip cookies with the fun, candy-coated crunch of M&Ms. The result? An unforgettable dessert that’s soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness in every bite. These bars are perfect for parties, picnics, or whenever you’re in the mood for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. Plus, they’re easy to make and adaptable with a variety of ingredients. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this sweet delight!
Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: This provides structure to the cookie bars, creating the perfect balance of thickness and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and stay light and chewy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bars.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to making these bars rich and soft is using softened butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the caramelization of the cookie bars.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds extra moisture and chewiness to the bars.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars, adding warmth and depth.
- 1 ½ cups M&M candies: The star of the show! Use any type of M&M candies you love – classic, peanut, or mini – to make your bars extra colorful and tasty.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For added chocolate goodness, mix in some chocolate chips.
Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins (For Extra Flavor and Texture)
If you want to add some variety to your soft-baked M&M cookie bars, try these optional ingredients for added flavor and texture:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds): Adds a delightful crunch and complements the M&Ms perfectly.
- ½ cup shredded coconut: For a tropical twist, coconut flakes add a light, sweet chew to the bars.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that pairs surprisingly well with the sweet M&Ms.
- ½ cup toffee bits: For a caramelized crunch, toffee bits melt into the bars and provide extra sweetness.
Substitutions and Variations
There’s plenty of room for creativity with this recipe. If you need to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences, here are some easy substitutions and variations:
- Butter: If you’re out of butter or need a dairy-free option, substitute with equal amounts of margarine or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Sugar: If you want to cut back on sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just keep in mind, the texture might be slightly different.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients, like M&Ms, are certified gluten-free.
- Egg-Free: If you need to avoid eggs, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or an egg replacer.
- M&Ms: Switch up the type of M&Ms you use. Try peanut M&Ms for a crunchy twist, or use seasonal M&Ms for festive colors. You can even replace M&Ms with Reese’s Pieces for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create the perfect soft-baked M&M cookie bars:

- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using), making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles.
How to Cook Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking these cookie bars couldn’t be easier! Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your cookie bars turn out soft, chewy, and delicious every time:
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and the eggs are at room temperature. This helps create the perfect soft and chewy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars.
- Watch the Baking Time: Be careful not to overbake. The cookie bars should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are a few common mistakes you can avoid:
- Overbaking: One of the biggest mistakes is overbaking. These bars should be soft and chewy, so remove them from the oven when they’re just turning golden.
- Not Measuring Properly: Baking is a science, so make sure you measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much flour can make your bars dry.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Don’t be tempted to cut into the bars too early. Let them cool completely to ensure they hold their shape and are easy to slice.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your soft-baked M&M cookie bars have cooled and been sliced, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Serve with a Glass of Milk: These cookie bars pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
- Top with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Wrap as Gifts: Place a few bars in a decorative tin or wrap them in parchment paper and ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.
How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
These cookie bars are versatile and can be served as-is or dressed up for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a cozy night in, here’s how to serve them:
- Casual: Place them on a platter for easy, grab-and-go treats at a picnic or casual gathering.
- Formal: Stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a more elegant presentation, perfect for parties or holiday events.
- Themed: Use holiday-themed M&Ms to match the season – red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and brown for Halloween.
Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars
Make your cookie bars even more visually appealing with these presentation ideas:
- Cut into Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the bars into fun shapes like stars or hearts.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars for a gourmet look.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant finishing touch.
Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker bars, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes it easier to lift out the bars and slice them cleanly.
- Make Ahead: These bars freeze well! Store them in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! These cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use other types of candy instead of M&Ms?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute M&Ms with other candies like Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chunks for a fun variation.
Q: How do I keep the bars soft?
A: Store the bars in an airtight container, and place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture and keep the bars soft.
Conclusion
These soft-baked M&M cookie bars are an easy, delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, these cookie bars will hit the sweet spot every time. With endless variations and the option to customize the recipe, you can make this dessert uniquely yours. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and bake a batch today – your taste buds will thank you!
PrintSoft-baked M&m Cookie Bars Recipe
This soft-baked M&M cookie bars recipe is the perfect dessert with chewy centers and crispy edges, bursting with colorful chocolate candies. A simple, kid-friendly treat that's quick to prepare and bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Fold in M&M candies.
- Spread dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can substitute different candies or add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- These cookie bars stay soft for several days when stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
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