M&M Chocolate Chip Bars

M&M Chocolate Chip Bars

Introduction
These M&M Chocolate Chip Bars are a crowd pleasing, nostalgic treat that bake up into thick, chewy squares studded with colorful candy and melty chocolate. Expect a buttery cookie base with a tender crumb, a slight chew from brown sugar, and pops of candy crunch from the M&Ms. The aroma while baking is warm and sweet, with notes of caramelizing sugars and vanilla that fill the kitchen. These bars are perfect for bake sales, after school snacks, potlucks, or anytime you want an easy dessert that travels well. If you love classic cookie flavors but want a simpler pan dessert, this recipe delivers. For another easy bar dessert idea try my take on caramel apple cheesecake bars for a seasonal twist.

Ingredients

• 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, provides structure and tenderness to the bars.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch, helps give a soft, cake-like crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda, the leavening that gives a light lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled, adds richness and chew when melted butter is used.
• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar, brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, contributes sweetness and helps with slight crisp edges.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature, bind ingredients and add tenderness.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, adds warm aromatic depth.
• 1 and 1/4 cups mini or regular-size M&Ms, for bright color and candy crunch.
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, for gooey pockets of chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the oven rack in the center. This ensures even baking throughout the pan.
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Let the parchment hang over the edges to make lifting the bars out easier after they cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisking distributes the leavening and salt evenly.
4. In another bowl, combine the melted, cooled butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture looks uniform.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture; mix until glossy. Beat just enough to combine; the mixture should be smooth and slightly shiny.
6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients; stir until just combined. Do not overmix, or the bars can become tough.
7. Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. Save a few M&Ms to press on top if you want a colorful finish.
8. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a level surface.
9. Bake for 26 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned. The center will set but may still feel slightly soft; it will firm as it cools.
10. Allow to cool for at least one hour before lifting out and cutting into squares. Cooling fully ensures clean edges and the right texture.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 to 30 minutes
• Total Time: about 1 hour 45 minutes including cooling
• Servings: makes about 24 bars (9×13-inch pan, cut into 2×2-inch squares)
• Calories: approximately 256 calories per bar

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tip: Use room temperature eggs so they incorporate smoothly into the melted butter mixture.
• Tip: If you prefer a chewier bar, bake closer to 26 minutes. For slightly firmer bars, bake toward 30 minutes.
• Storage: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: To extend shelf life, refrigerate up to 7 days, bringing bars to room temperature before serving for best texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours.
• Variation 1: Use mini M&Ms for more even candy distribution and a different mouthfeel.
• Variation 2: Use regular-size M&Ms for big colorful bites and a more dramatic look.
• Variation 3: Adjust the mix of M&Ms and chocolate chips to favor more chocolate chips if you like extra melty pockets.
  For a warm drink pairing idea, consider trying a simple cocoa twist inspired by this hot chocolate hack.

FAQ

1. How do I prevent the bars from being dry?
   Keep mixing minimal after adding flour, and do not overbake. Remove from oven when the center is set but still a touch soft.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid oversalting.
3. Are mini M&Ms better than regular-size for this recipe?
   Mini M&Ms give more even distribution and smaller candy bites, while regular M&Ms give larger colorful bites. Both work.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Doubling will require two 9×13 pans for even baking and to keep the same thickness.
5. How long should bars cool before cutting?
   Allow at least one hour of cooling to set the bars for clean slicing.
6. Can I mix the dough by hand?
   Yes, use a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

People Also Ask

1. What size pan is best for M&M cookie bars?
   A 9×13-inch pan gives bars that are thick and soft. Using a larger pan will result in thinner bars.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
   Yes, bake and cool them the day before. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
3. Will the M&Ms melt while baking?
   M&Ms soften and the candy shell may crack, but they usually retain some shape and color during baking.
4. Can I substitute other candy for M&Ms?
   You must use only the ingredients provided in this recipe, but you can choose mini or regular M&Ms as listed.
5. How do I get even squares when cutting bars?
   Chill the pan briefly after cooling, then use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for clean edges.
6. Are these bars freezer friendly?
   Yes, wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
7. What temperature should the eggs be?
   Room temperature eggs help the batter combine smoothly and encourage even baking.
8. Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
   You can store the unbaked, covered pan in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking for convenience.

Conclusion

These M&M Chocolate Chip Bars are an easy, feel-good dessert that turns everyday ingredients into something special. If you enjoy quick bar recipes, you might like the EASY M&M Cookie Bars for another simple variation, or try the Soft M&M Cookie Bars Recipe for additional tips and texture ideas. I hope you bake a batch soon and share them with friends and family for a colorful, comforting treat.

M&M Chocolate Chip Bars

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These M&M Chocolate Chip Bars are thick, chewy squares studded with colorful candy and melty chocolate, perfect for baked treats.

• Author: emma-brooks
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 105 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups mini or regular-size M&Ms
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the oven rack in the center.
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine the melted, cooled butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture; mix until glossy.
6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
8. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly.
9. Bake for 26 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned.
10. Allow to cool for at least one hour before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Notes

Tips: Use room temperature eggs; adjust baking time for chewier or firmer bars.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 256
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg