Easter M&M Cookie Bars

These colorful and chewy Easter M&M Cookie Bars are packed with pastel candies and chocolate chips, making them the perfect easy-to-bake treat for springtime celebrations. With crisp edges and a soft center, they’re baked in one pan and ideal for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make—no rolling or chilling required
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Festive and fun with pastel M&M’s
• Delicious buttery base with rich chocolate flavor
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Easter M&M’s (plus more for topping)
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, and lightly grease.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.
5. Fold in the M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips, reserving a handful of each for topping.
6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Press remaining M&M’s and chips on top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 18 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 75–80 minutes

Variations

• Use different M&M’s for other holidays (e.g., red and green for Christmas)
• Swap in butterscotch or peanut butter chips
• Add chopped nuts for crunch
• Use browned butter for a deeper flavor
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or candy melts for decoration

storage/reheating

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week for firmer texture
• Freeze bars tightly wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature
• Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this recipe does not require chilling before baking.

3. Can I use a glass baking dish?

Yes, but reduce the oven temperature by 25°F to prevent overbrowning.

4. How do I make clean cuts?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife; wipe between cuts for neat edges.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

6. What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?

You can omit them or replace them with more chocolate chips or another mix-in.

7. How long can I store these bars?

Up to 5 days at room temp, 7 days in the fridge, or 3 months frozen.

8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 48 hours or freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

9. Are these bars good for gift-giving?

Definitely—they’re colorful, sturdy, and stay fresh well, making them perfect for packaging.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just bake in two 9×13 pans or a larger sheet pan; adjust baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Easter M&M Cookie Bars are a simple, colorful, and festive dessert that’s guaranteed to brighten up any springtime celebration. With their buttery texture and playful candy crunch, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for Easter baskets, parties, or just a sweet seasonal treat.

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