Chewy M&M Cookie Bars Recipe — Loaded Candy Cookie Bars

The best soft, thick, and chewy M&M cookie bars — perfect for after-school snacks, potlucks, birthdays, or customizing with seasonal M&M’s for holidays.

Your New Go-To Cookie Bars for ANY Occasion!

• Quick and easy after-school treat, summer barbecue dessert, or potluck favorite.
• Swap M&M colors to match holidays — Christmas, Valentine’s Day, 4th of July, or Easter.
• Thick, chewy squares are sturdy enough to make homemade ice cream sandwiches.
• Add frosting and sprinkles to make a simple 9×13 cookie cake for birthdays.
• No M&M’s? Replace with an extra ½ cup chocolate chips for delicious chocolate chip bars.

What You Need

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda and baking powder
• All-purpose flour
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• M&M’s (or extra chocolate chips)

How to Make Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

Step 1: Mix Dough by Hand

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter 20–30 seconds until just melted — no hot spots and no unmelted chunks.

1. Transfer the melted butter to a larger bowl and stir in the brown and granulated sugars with a spatula. Do not use a mixer.
2. Mix in the egg, then add vanilla. Stir in baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the flour and mix until it is fully incorporated.
4. Fold in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup M&M’s. If you like, reserve a few M&M’s to press on top before baking.

Step 2: Press Dough Into Pan

Grease a 9×13 pan or line it with parchment. Drop the dough in chunks and use a spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer, making sure to reach the corners.

Step 3: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14–15 minutes. Do not overbake — the top should be slightly golden and the center may look just a touch underbaked. That slight underbake is the key to a soft, chewy texture. If you want, immediately press a few extra M&M’s into the warm top for a pretty finish.

Step 4: Cut into Squares

Allow the pan to cool completely for clean slices, then use a sharp large knife to cut into squares sized to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these M&M cookie bars?

Yes. They freeze well and are enjoyable straight from the freezer. For best results, wrap individual cut bars in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight bag or container to prevent freezer taste and drying. Thaw to room temperature or enjoy frozen.

Can I make these in a different pan size?

Yes. A 9×9 pan will yield thicker bars — bake a few minutes longer. You can also spread the dough in a 12″ round pan to make a cookie cake; adjust bake time as needed for even doneness.

Customize the M&M’s for any holiday

• Red & green for Christmas
• Pink & red for Valentine’s Day
• Red, white & blue for 4th of July
• Pastel M&M’s for Easter

Why settle for plain cookie bars when you can add colorful M&M’s for extra fun and flavor?

5 from 33 votes

Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

The best soft, thick, and chewy M&M cookie bars for any occasion — baked in a standard 9×13 pan for easy serving.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup M&M’s

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 20–30 seconds until just melted.
3. Stir melted butter with ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar using a spatula. Mix in 1 large egg and 1½ tsp vanilla.
4. Add ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt; stir to combine.
5. Add 1½ cups all-purpose flour and mix until combined.
6. Fold in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup M&M’s. Press a few extra M&M’s on top if desired. Immediately press the dough into a greased 9×13 pan.
7. Bake 14–15 minutes. The top should be slightly golden and the center may look a little underbaked — this yields the soft, chewy texture. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes from Melissa

Freezing / Make Ahead: If making ahead, wrap cut bars in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or bag. Thaw to room temperature or enjoy frozen. Wrapping helps prevent freezer taste and drying.

Nutrition

Calories: 215 kcal,
Carbs: 28 g,
Protein: 2 g,
Fat: 10 g