Chewy M&M Cookie Bars (Only 6 Ingredients)

Return to the Kitchen
by Return to the Kitchen
32 bars
50 min

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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
Ingredients for Chewy M&M Cookie Bars


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
How to Make Chewy M&M Cookie Bars


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.

close up of chewy M&M cookie bar
How to Cut Cookie Bars


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.
Sliced on a cutting board for perfectly cut bars.
More Dessert Recipes to Try


Cut up chewy M&M cookie bars scattered on parchment paper
How to store or freeze cookie bars


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.

chewy M&M cookie bar close up of inside

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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 (Only 6 Ingredients)
Recipe details
  • 32  bars
  • Prep time: 20 Minutes Cook time: 30 Minutes Total time: 50 min
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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!
Tips
  • 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.
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