Why You’ll Love Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
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No mixer or dough chilling required
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Easy to make even for beginner bakers
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Soft in the center, slightly crisp edges
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Customizable—use different candy or chip varieties
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Great for sharing or packing for snacks
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, melted
brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
M&Ms (mini or regular)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the sides for easy lifting.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until no lumps of brown sugar remain. Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk to combine.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or large spoon until mostly combined—the dough will be very soft and slightly slick.
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Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. Mix as evenly as possible.
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Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press or smooth it into an even layer.
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Bake for 26–30 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking.
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Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. While still warm, optionally press extra M&Ms or chips on top for decoration.
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Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, slice, and serve.
Servings and timing
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Yield: 24 bars
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Bake time: 26–30 minutes
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Cooling time: ~1 hour
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Total time: ~1 hour plus cooling
Variations
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Use crushed or seasonal M&Ms for holiday themes
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Substitute or add white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips
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Omit chocolate chips and increase M&Ms to 1½ cups for more candy in every bite
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Try browned butter (increase by ~3 tablespoons to offset moisture loss)
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Bake in a different pan like a 10×15-inch for thinner bars; reduce bake time accordingly
Storage/Reheating
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Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
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Freeze baked bars (wrapped well) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving
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To warm, microwave individual bars for a few seconds
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The dough can also be prepared ahead, refrigerated for 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before baking
FAQs
1. Can I use a different candy instead of M&Ms?
Yes — use any favorite candy or chocolate pieces, just be mindful of melting behavior and sweetness.
2. Do I have to use melted butter?
Yes. Melted butter helps achieve a soft, chewy texture and allows for easy mixing without a mixer.
3. What happens if I overbake the bars?
They’ll become firmer and less chewy. It’s best to remove them when a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
4. Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Yes, just increase the amount of M&Ms to about 1½ cups to maintain a rich, candy-filled bar.
5. Why is cornstarch included in the recipe?
Cornstarch adds softness and creates a tender crumb in the finished bars.
6. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, if you substitute the flour with a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary slightly.
7. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
8. How thick will the bars be?
When baked in a 9×13-inch pan and cut into 24 bars, they’ll be fairly thick and chewy.
9. Why is the dough so soft and slick?
Melted butter makes the dough extra soft—this is normal. Pressing it into the pan ensures even baking.
10. When should I add extra M&Ms on top?
Add them right after baking while the bars are still warm, so they stick but don’t melt completely.
Conclusion
Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Bars are the ultimate low-effort dessert for when you want something colorful, chewy, and shareable. With no mixer or chilling required, they’re great for quick baking sessions and ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or anytime treats. Customize them to suit your taste and enjoy the simplicity of this go-to cookie bar recipe.
