M&M Cookie Bars

M&M Cookie Bars!! One of my favorite desserts of all times. And also be warned - one is NOT to be left alone with a pan of these! These cookie bars are on par with my famous cheesecake cookie bars. You may want to check those out as well!

Table of Contents

Why I Love This RecipeIngredients & SubstitutionsHow to Make M&M Cookie BarsHow to Store M&M Cookie BarsHow to Freeze M&M Cookie BarsTips & TricksFAQsSimilar Recipes

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Why I Love This Recipe

Is there anything better than a soft cookie in bar form? Where the edges are just lightly golden brown and a tad bit crunchy... and the inside is gooey and soft and melts in your mouth? Let me answer that for you.... no.
It doesn't get better than cookie bars when it comes to a quick and easy dessert that literally every single person will love. These cookie bars are my favorite sugar cookie recipe baked up in bar form. You all know how I love the giant M&M cookies and these are just the perfect bar form for that perfect cookie!
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar and mix with a wooden spoon for 1 minute until combined.
Step 2: Add the vanilla and eggs, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients into the bowl and slowly mix until just combined. The batter will be a bit stiff, but that's normal.
Step 4: Fold in 1 cup of the Milk Chocolate M&M’s.
Step 5: Spray a 9x9 metal baking pan (see note above) with baking spray and line it with parchment paper. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with the remaining Milk Chocolate M&M’s and Maldon sea salt if desired.
Step 6: Transfer it into the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Once the bars have baked, remove them from the oven and let cool for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving.

How to Store M&M Cookie Bars

Cut these into squares once cooled, and store in an airtight container for a few days. You can also store in the fridge to keep them longer, about two weeks.

How to Freeze M&M Cookie Bars

We have not had leftovers for these in our household! However, if you want to freeze them, store these bars in a freezer bag or airtight container for about 3 months. Defrost in the fridge or outside to serve.

Tips & Tricks

1: Use a 9x9 pan. Don't try and do it in a 9x13 or an 8x8... it won't be the same. Trust me - there's a reason I developed it this way! And a glass baking dish doesn't retain heat the same way a metal baking dish does... so use a metal baking dish!
2: Don't skimp on the M&M's and the sprinkle of salt on top. It really makes all the flavors sing! If you want to add more M&M's mid bake, that will ensure they don't fall to the bottom of the pan.
3: After the baking time - LET THESE SET FOR 2 HOURS. These cookie bars might look a little under-baked but they need time to finish residual baking once they come out of the oven.