Easter M&M Cookie Bars
These Easter M&M Cookie Bars are a cheerful and colorful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring a chewy, buttery base loaded with vibrant candy-coated chocolates, this recipe is quick, easy, and kid-approved. Ideal for Easter parties, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a festive dessert that combines rich flavor with a fun twist on classic cookies.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups Easter M&Ms (plus a handful extra for topping)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your cookie bars come out easily.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color, creating the perfect base for chewy bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is well incorporated before adding the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to blend without overworking the dough, which can make the bars tough.
- Fold in Easter M&Ms: Carefully fold in the Easter M&Ms, saving a handful to sprinkle on top for extra color and fun.
- Bake and Cool: Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly soft. Let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use softened butter and eggs at room temperature for smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid dense cookie bars.
- Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps bars lift out perfectly.
- Remove the bars from the oven when slightly underbaked for extra chewiness.
- Press extra M&Ms onto the top before baking for a colorful presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Easter, M&M Cookie Bars, Chewy Cookie Bars, Holiday Dessert, Kid-Friendly Dessert, Colorful Cookies, Easy Baking