Go Back

Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

Thick, chewy, and festive cookie bars loaded with red and green M&Ms and chocolate chips, finished with a decadent chocolate drizzle.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Bar Dough
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 0.75 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg large, room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk room temperature
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 cup Holiday M&Ms red and green, divided
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus extra for melting
Topping
  • 0.25 cup melting chocolate optional, for drizzle

Equipment

  • 8x8 or 9x9 Baking Pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar vigorously until smooth and glossy (about 1 minute).
  3. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined.
  5. Fold in 3/4 cup of the M&Ms and the chocolate chips. Reserve the rest for the top.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Press the remaining M&Ms onto the top of the dough.
  7. Bake for 22-25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and the center soft but set. Do not overbake.
  8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, melt extra chocolate and drizzle over the bars before slicing.

Notes

To get clean cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 1 hour before slicing. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.