Name: M and M Cookie Dough Bars: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups M&M's, divided (reserve ½ cup for topping); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

M and M cookie dough bars: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine sinking your teeth into a thick, chewy bar packed with the nostalgic goodness of cookie dough and the vibrant crunch of M&Ms. These aren't your average cookies; they're a decadent, no-bake treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth in a single bite. Forget spending hours baking – this recipe is all about instant gratification!

While the exact origins of cookie dough bars are a bit hazy, the love for raw cookie dough is a tale as old as time. Who hasn't snuck a spoonful (or three!) while baking cookies? These bars take that guilty pleasure and elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness. They offer the irresistible flavor of cookie dough without the worry of raw eggs, making them a safe and delightful indulgence for everyone.

People adore M and M cookie dough bars for their incredible taste and texture. The soft, buttery cookie dough base is perfectly complemented by the colorful, candy-coated crunch of M&Ms. They're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no baking time. Plus, they're perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a sweet treat on a busy weeknight. Get ready to experience cookie dough bliss like never before!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups M&M's, divided (reserve ½ cup for topping)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The mixture should be pale and airy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Don't overmix at this stage; just combine until the eggs are fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for proper leavening and flavor.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which we want to avoid for a tender cookie bar.
Fold in M&M's and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of the M&M's and the chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. I like to use a rubber spatula for this step to avoid overmixing.

Preparing the Pan and Baking:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is my preferred method, as it makes it super easy to lift the cookie bars out of the pan once they're baked.
Press Dough into Pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your hands or the back of a spoon to spread the dough. Make sure the dough is evenly distributed to ensure even baking.
Top with Remaining M&M's: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of M&M's evenly over the top of the cookie dough. Gently press them into the dough so they adhere during baking. This will give the bars a beautiful and colorful finish.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should be set, but still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Cool Completely: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important because the bars will continue to set as they cool. If you try to cut them while they're still warm, they will be too soft and crumbly. I usually let them cool for at least an hour, or even longer if I have the time.

Cutting and Serving:

Cut into Squares: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, cut them into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but I usually cut them into about 2-inch squares. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can simply lift the bars out of the pan using the overhang and then cut them on a cutting board.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the M&M cookie dough bars and enjoy! They are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a simple dessert to enjoy at home.

Tips and Variations:

Use Different Types of M&M's: Feel free to experiment with different types of M&M's, such as peanut M&M's, pretzel M&M's, or even seasonal M&M's.
Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the cookie dough.
Use Different Extracts: Try using almond extract or peppermint extract instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Make it Gluten-Free: To make these cookie bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together.
Store Properly: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Don't Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookie bars. Be sure to check them frequently during the last few minutes of baking and remove them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown around the edges and the center is set.
Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugars. The butter should be soft enough to easily press your finger into, but not melted. If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream, and if it's too melted, the cookie bars will spread too thin.
Measure Flour Accurately: Measuring flour accurately is crucial for the success of any baking recipe. The best way to measure flour is to use a kitchen scale. If you don't have a scale, you can use the spoon and level method. To do this, spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it is overflowing, then level it off with a straight edge, such as a knife or spatula. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in too much flour in your recipe.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking can help to prevent the bars from spreading too thin. This will also allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie bar.

Troubleshooting:

Cookie Bars are Too Dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and don't overbake the bars.
Cookie Bars are Too Soft: This could be due to underbaking or using too much butter. Make sure to bake the bars until they are golden brown around the edges and the center is set.
Cookie Bars are Spreading Too Thin: This could be due to using melted butter or not chilling the dough. Make sure to use softened butter and chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
M&M's are Melting Too Much: This can happen if your oven is too hot. Try lowering the oven temperature by 25 degrees and baking for a few minutes longer. You can also try using mini M&M's, as they tend to melt less.

Enjoy your delicious homemade M&M cookie dough bars!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These M and M cookie dough bars are truly a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of the soft, chewy cookie dough, the bursts of chocolate from the M&Ms, and that delightful buttery flavor creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). What makes these bars so special is their versatility. They're perfect for a quick weeknight dessert, a fun baking project with the kids, or even a potluck contribution that's guaranteed to be a hit. Forget spending hours meticulously scooping and baking individual cookies – these bars streamline the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Plus, who can resist that colorful, cheerful appearance? But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, try serving these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. The contrast between the warm, gooey bar and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine. Looking for variations? The possibilities are endless! You could swap out the classic M&Ms for peanut M&Ms for an extra nutty flavor. Or, if you're a fan of dark chocolate, use dark chocolate M&Ms and add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sophisticated twist. For a festive touch, use holiday-themed M&Ms during the Christmas season. You could even incorporate other mix-ins like chopped nuts, pretzels, or chocolate chips to customize the bars to your liking. Imagine adding some chopped walnuts and toffee bits for a truly indulgent treat! Another fantastic idea is to cut the bars into smaller squares and use them as part of a dessert platter. They pair perfectly with brownies, mini cheesecakes, and fresh fruit. Or, package them up in cute little boxes and give them as homemade gifts to friends and family. Trust me, they'll be thrilled! I truly believe that these M and M cookie dough bars will become a staple in your baking repertoire. They're so easy to make, so adaptable to different tastes, and so utterly delicious that you'll find yourself making them again and again. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these incredible bars. I'm confident that you'll love them as much as I do. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Once you've made these M and M cookie dough bars, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you try any variations? What did your family and friends think? I'm eager to hear all about it! Don't be shy – your feedback is invaluable and helps other bakers discover the magic of this recipe. Happy baking! I can't wait to see your creations!