Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

Jump to Recipe

Return to the Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Affiliates Program. This post may contain affiliate links for which we may earn a profit if a purchase is made at no additional cost to you.

These Chewy M&M Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert for kids (and adults too)! These bars are a little sweet, chewy, gooey and loaded with M&M’s! Make these the next time you need a sweet treat for your family, a potluck or party.

Chewy M&M Cookie Bars cut up on parchment paper with M&M's all around

This delicious treat only needs 6 ingredients and all but the M&M’s you probably already have on hand. For this recipe you will need:

butter
light brown sugar
eggs
flour
baking powder
M&M’s

See the recipe card below for the ingredient amounts and full recipe.

Cut up chewy M&M cookie bars on parchment paper

First, in the microwave or on the stove, melt the butter. Then, add in light brown sugar and stir well. Let cool for 5-10 minutes to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Then, add the eggs one at a time being sure to fully incorporate before adding the next. Next, add flour and baking powder; stir to combine. Mix in 1 cup of M&M’s. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment lined 9 x 13″ baking pan. Spread into an even layer and top with remaining M&M’s.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean. These will still be gooey!

Bakers Tip: Use themed M&M’s to make festive Chewy M&M Cookie Bars! For example, use the red white and blue ones for the 4th of July or Memorial Day, spring colors for Easter, red and green for Christmas, etc.

The worst thing after making a beautiful batch of bars or brownies is not being able to cut them!! To get perfectly sliced cookie bars, first let them cool completely in the pan before slicing. If you used parchment paper to line the pan you will be able to pick up the bars out of the pan and slice them on a cutting board. This will allow you to get straight lines easier than cutting inside the pan.

I would highly recommend using parchment if you want perfectly cut bars. Slicing them in the pan is not as easy. Another tip to nice clean slices is to wipe down your knife in between slices. That way there are no crumbs on the top of the bars.

Lifted out of baking dish by the parchment paper.

Chewy M&M Cookie Bars — Lifted out of baking dish by the parchment paper.

More Dessert Recipes to Try

Cut up chewy M&M cookie bars scattered on parchment paper

Cookie bars will stay good at room temperature in an airtight container for about 5 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap them in plastic wrap then place in a zip lock bag or airtight container and freeze up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have M&M’s on hand, what can I use instead?

Swap the M&M’s for milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pecans, etc. You can use any mixins that you prefer.

Why aren’t my bars chewy?

If this recipe is over baked they will not be chewy. Be sure to remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes up with just a little bit of batter on it.

For a behind the scenes look at Return to the Kitchen, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest! Also, if you make this recipe or any of our recipes be sure to tag us @returntothekitchen!

Did you enjoy these Chewy M&M Cookie Bars? Be sure to check out our other desserts, including Black Moon Whoopie Pies, Chocolate Pecan Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, Homemade Slice and Bake Sugar Cookies, Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ricotta Cookies, Microwave Mint Chocolate Fudge, Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Apple Crisp, Butter Cookie Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, Buttercream Frosting, Chocolate Pecan Pie, and Apple Pie. If you are looking for holiday cookies, be sure to check out our Christmas Cookie List!

Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

Yield: 32 bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

These Chewy M&M Cookie Bars are a little sweet, chewy, gooey and loaded with M&M's!

Ingredients

2/3 cup butter
1 lb light brown sugar
3 eggs
2 2/3 cup flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cup M&M's, divided

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray with non stick spray then line 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper.
In the microwave or on the stove, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time being sure to fully incorporate before adding the next.
Add in flour and baking powder and stir to combine.
Add in 1 cup of M&M's. Stir to combine.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with remaining 1/2 cup M&M's.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25- 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
Let bars cool completely then slice and serve. **See post/notes for slicing tips!

Notes

How to get perfectly sliced bars: Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing. If you used parchment paper to line the pan you will be able to pick up the bars out of the pan and slice them on a cutting board.