M&M Sugar Cookie Bars

These M&M Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and packed with colorful M&Ms, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. With a chewy texture and a crisp golden top, they’re easier to make than traditional cookiesjust mix, spread, and bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – No scooping individual cookies, just press the dough into a pan and bake.
• Chewy and Buttery – A soft sugar cookie base with the perfect balance of sweetness.
• Customizable – Use seasonal M&Ms for different holidays or mix in other add-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for birthdays, bake sales, or an everyday sweet treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups (7.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup M&Ms

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Dough

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 3: Add the M&Ms

Option 1 (M&Ms Mixed In):
7. Fold in the M&Ms and mix gently.

Option 2 (M&Ms on Top Only):
7. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the M&Ms on top, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

9. Bake for 20 minutes total, or until the edges are lightly golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove and cut into 16 bars.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

11. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed for the best texture.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Double Chocolate – Add ¼ cup of chocolate chips along with the M&Ms.
• Holiday-Themed – Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and brown for Halloween.
• Peanut Butter M&M Bars – Swap regular M&Ms for peanut butter M&Ms for an extra nutty flavor.
• Extra Chewy Bars – Replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a softer, chewier texture.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them warm and soft again.

FAQs

1. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

2. How do I keep my bars from becoming too hard?

Avoid overbaking, and store in an airtight container to retain moisture.

3. Can I use different types of M&Ms?

Yes! Try peanut, pretzel, or caramel-filled M&Ms for variety.

4. Do I have to use parchment paper?

No, but it makes removing the bars much easier for slicing.

5. Can I make these bars softer?

Replace 2 tablespoons of butter with vegetable oil for a softer, more tender texture.

6. Can I make this into a cookie cake?

Yes! Bake in a 9-inch round cake pan and adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes.

7. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

8. What if I don’t have baking powder?

Substitute with ¼ teaspoon baking soda.

9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

10. Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope! This recipe is designed to be baked right away.

Conclusion

These M&M Sugar Cookie Bars are fun, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. With their soft texture and buttery sugar cookie base, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion. Try this simple and delicious recipe todayyou won’t be disappointed!

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