This post may contain affiliate links learn more
Hello, dear friends and fellow sweet tooths! Today, I’m incredibly excited to share a recipe that has brought so much joy and color to my kitchen – the Gooey M&M Cookie Bars. Each bite is a celebration, packed with vibrant M&Ms and rich, melty chocolate chips, all nestled within a soft, buttery bar. This isn’t just a treat; it’s a mood lifter!
I can’t thank you enough for your enthusiastic feedback on previous recipes, and based on your love for easy and fun bakes, I knew this had to be next. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients
- Flour: 2¾ cups (343g) all-purpose, sifted
- Cornstarch: 1½ teaspoons
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g), melted and slightly cooled
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup (200g), packed (light or dark)
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g)
- Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons, pure
- M&Ms: 1¼ cups (260g), mini or regular size
- Chocolate Chips: ¾ cup (135g), semi-sweet
How to Make Gooey M&M Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside as your dry mixture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, blend the melted butter with both sugars until the mixture is smooth. This is your base for that gooey texture!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
To the sugar mixture, add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor punch.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 6: Fold in the Fun
Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into squares. The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!!
Helpful Tips
- Even Baking: To ensure your cookie bars bake evenly, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
- Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for easier slicing. This patience pays off with clean, sharp cuts!
Substitutions/Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added texture and nutty flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of mini?
Absolutely! Both work beautifully, though minis distribute more evenly.
How do I store these cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
More Relevant Recipes
If you loved these cookie bars, you might also enjoy exploring more of our delectable treats:
Thank you for baking along with me today! These Gooey M&M Cookie Bars are sure to brighten your day and your dessert table. Bake a batch, share your creations, and most importantly, enjoy each and every bite!
PrintGooey M&M Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
Dive into the delightful world of our Gooey M&M Cookie Bars! These treats are a perfect blend of colorful M&Ms and gooey, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery bar that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
2¾ cups (343g) all-purpose flour, sifted
1½ teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1¼ cups (260g) M&Ms, mini or regular size
¾ cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, then stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, followed by folding in the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
Texture Tip: For even gooier bars, slightly underbake and let them set in the pan.
Variations: Feel free to swap out M&Ms for other candy pieces or add nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Texture Tip: For even gooier bars, slightly underbake and let them set in the pan.
- Variations: Feel free to swap out M&Ms for other candy pieces or add nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approx. 280 per serving Sugar: 25g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg