Prep Time: ~10 minutes | Bake Time: ~22–24 minutes | Total Time: ~40 minutes | Yield: ~24 bars
Introduction
Sugar Cookie M&M’s Bars are soft, chewy dessert bars that combine the classic buttery flavor of sugar cookies with bursts of chocolate from colorful M&M’s. Baked in a single pan and sliced into thick, bakery-style squares, these bars are perfect for holidays, parties, bake sales, or an easy family treat.
Why This Dessert Is So Loved
These bars deliver everything people love about sugar cookies without the extra work. No rolling, chilling, or cutting dough — just mix, press, and bake. The M&M’s add chocolatey crunch and bright color, making them fun, festive, and irresistible for both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Base
- Sugar cookie mix
- Softened butter
- Egg
Mix-Ins
- White vanilla baking chips
- M&M’s chocolate candies
Optional Add-Ons
- Mini chocolate chips
- Holiday-colored M&M’s
- Sprinkles
- Chopped nuts (optional)
The Art of Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars
The key to perfect sugar cookie bars is slightly underbaking them. This keeps the center soft and chewy while the edges turn lightly golden. Pressing the dough evenly into the pan ensures uniform baking, and topping with extra M&M’s before baking gives the bars a beautiful, bakery-style finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and egg until a soft dough forms.
3. Add the Mix-Ins
Stir in the white vanilla baking chips and half of the M&M’s until evenly combined.
4. Press and Top
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s over the top, gently pressing them into the surface.
5. Bake
Bake for 22–24 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
6. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overbake — the bars will firm up as they cool
- Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing
- Press the dough evenly for consistent thickness
- Let the bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges
Creative Variations
- Holiday Version: use seasonal M&M’s
- Chocolate Lovers: add extra chocolate chips
- Confetti Bars: mix in colorful sprinkles
- Brown Butter Upgrade: brown the butter for deeper flavor
- Extra Thick Bars: bake in a smaller pan
Storage & Freshness
Store Sugar Cookie M&M’s Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well for longer storage.
Conclusion
Sugar Cookie M&M’s Bars are soft, chewy, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. With classic sugar cookie flavor and chocolate in every bite, they’re the perfect low-effort dessert that looks festive and tastes unforgettable.
