Description
These chewy M&M cookie bars are the ultimate one-bowl dessert, requiring no mixer and minimal cleanup. They bake up golden with a gooey center, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups (250g) M&M’s candies
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix with a fork or wooden spoon until smooth and slightly fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the M&M’s (and chocolate chips, if using) gently with a spatula to distribute evenly.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a uniform layer about ¾ inch thick. Press remaining M&M’s into the top if desired.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but the center still looks slightly underbaked.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Cut into 9 or 12 squares before serving.
Notes
Use softened butter, not melted, to ensure a chewy texture rather than cakey. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dry bars. The bars continue to cook on the hot pan after removal from the oven, so pull them when the center looks slightly soft. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: M&M cookie bars, one bowl recipe, chewy cookies, easy dessert, no mixer, weeknight baking, chocolate bars