Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars Recipe

Nothing says “festive” quite like a pan of Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars cooling on your counter! These chewy, buttery cookie bars are absolutely loaded with melty chocolate chips and pops of patriotic color, making them the perfect treat for summer parties, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to add a little celebration to your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry staples come together with a handful of festive candies to create the unforgettable Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars! Here’s what gives these bars their chewy center, buttery edges, and show-stopping finish.

• Butter (2 sticks, room temp): The foundation of that rich, irresistible flavor and the secret to chewy-soft cookie bars.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Gives you that classic cookie sweetness and adds crispness to the edges.
• Packed golden brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a hint of caramel flavor and helps keep the bars moist.
• Large eggs (3): Bind everything together for structure and softness.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Rounds out the flavor and brings all the sweet notes to life.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy backbone for thick, satisfying bars.
• Baking soda (3/4 tsp): Lifts the dough so your bars bake up light yet chewy.
• Salt (3/4 tsp): Just the right touch to balance the sweetness!
• Red, White & Blue M&M’S (1 1/2 cups + extra for topping): For color, crunch, and that classic candy shell surprise in every bite.
• Mini chocolate chips (1 cup + extra for topping): Tiny bursts of chocolate that melt perfectly into the dough.

Variations

The beauty of these cookie bars is that you can truly make them your own—just a few tweaks, and you’ve got a whole new dessert for any season or dietary need!

• Switch up the colors: Use seasonal M&M’S (think Christmas, Easter, Halloween…) or favorite sports team colors for year-round fun!
• Add some crunch: Stir in a half cup of chopped pretzels or nuts for a salty, satisfying bite.
• Go gluten-free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend so everyone can grab a square.
• Fudge it up: Add swirls of caramel or dollops of marshmallow fluff over the dough before baking for a gooier, richer treat.

How to Make Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch aluminum baking dish with foil, leaving enough overhang so you’ll have “handles” to lift the bars out later. Give the foil a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray so the bars release flawlessly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl with hand beaters), beat the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together until pale, creamy, and fluffy. This takes just a few minutes but makes a big difference in the texture of your cookie bars!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and blend to combine—it’ll start to smell like pure cookie dough bliss!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Reduce your mixer speed to low and add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can make bars tougher than necessary, so stop as soon as you don’t see flour streaks.

Step 5: Fold in M&M’S and Chips

Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of Red, White & Blue M&M’S and 1 cup mini chocolate chips by hand. Save a handful of each for pressing on top—this guarantees a festive finish and lots of visible melt-y chocolate on each bar.

Step 6: Bake and Top

Spread the dough evenly in your prepared baking dish and smooth the surface. Gently press extra M&M’S and chips into the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden at the edges and just set in the center. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out by the foil “handles” and cutting into generous squares.

How to Serve Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a truly festive finish, sprinkle a handful of extra M&M’S over the bars just before serving, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a party-perfect touch. You can also drizzle with a little melted white or dark chocolate in zig-zags for extra flair.

Side Dishes

These bars practically scream to be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially warm from the oven! A tall glass of cold milk, iced coffee, or some lemonade also makes the ideal refreshment alongside your Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into small cubes and skewer them alongside fresh berries for cookie bar kabobs. Or turn each square into its own “mini flag” with a piped line of white frosting and a few extra red and blue M&M’S. Stack them high on a festive platter for a show-stopping centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, store Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft, chewy, and ready for snacking—if they last that long!

Freezing

These cookie bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap squares individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever that craving strikes.

Reheating

If you love a warm, gooey cookie bar, microwave a square for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate gets nice and melty, and the edges turn irresistible once more.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a shareable dessert that brings smiles to every table, these Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are truly it. They’re so easy to make (and even easier to devour)—give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new tradition at all your celebrations!

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