Name: M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups M&M’s (red and green)

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Introduction

These M&M Cookie Bars are a quick and delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a colorful, sweet snack. Made with a simple cake mix base and loaded with festive red and green M&M’s, they bake up soft and chewy in under 30 minutes.

A square blondie bar is held by a woman's hand on the right side of the image, showing its top layer filled with red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces embedded on a golden-brown, soft, and slightly cracked surface. The blondie has a thick base with a denser texture visible on the edges. Below the bar, there are scattered red and green candies matching the ones in the blondie, spread casually on a white marbled texture. Several other blondie pieces with the same candy toppings are partially shown in the background, arranged in a loose grid. The image is well-lit with vibrant colors, highlighting the festive look of the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
2 large eggs

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups M&M’s (red and green)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×9-inch pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving the paper hanging over two sides to help remove the bars easily.
Step 2: In a large bowl, stir together the vanilla cake mix, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Gently fold in the M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Spread and pat the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to level the surface for even baking.
Step 4: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 5: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Step 6: Using the parchment paper handles, lift the cookie slab from the pan and cut into 12 bars. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, substitute half of the melted butter with cream cheese for a softer, tangy texture.
You can swap the red and green M&M’s with any favorite candy-coated chocolates to suit different occasions.

Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract will enhance the overall flavor of the bars.
If you prefer a crispier edge, bake a few minutes longer but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.

Storage

Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer warm bars before serving.

How to Serve

A white plate stacked with several square blondie bars, each bar showing two layers: a soft, light golden-brown cake layer on top and bottom with a pale yellow crumb inside. The blondies contain colorful small candy pieces, mainly red and green, embedded both on the surface and inside. The texture looks moist and slightly crumbly. Some candies melt slightly, spreading bright green and red spots inside the blondie. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with blurred green decorative elements and Christmas beads nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like, such as chocolate or funfetti, to create different variations of these cookie bars.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in an airtight container before freezing. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.