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

If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing a splash of patriotic color and irresistible sweetness to your summer gatherings, these Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are your new secret weapon. Buttery, chewy, and studded with colorful candies, every bite delivers the kind of chocolatey nostalgia that instantly transports you to long summer days and backyard celebrations. Trust me—these bars are as fun to make as they are to share!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how pantry-friendly and straightforward these ingredients are. Each one plays a key role, from ensuring that signature cookie bar softness to delivering bold, festive pops of color and chocolate with those Red, White & Blue M&M’S.

• Butter (2 sticks, at room temperature): The base of the dough—using room temperature butter gives these bars a soft, rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Balances out the flavors and lends that classic cookie sweetness.
• Golden Brown Sugar (1 cup, firmly packed): Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth that makes cookie bars extra chewy.
• Large Eggs (3): Bind everything together while making the bars tender and pillowy.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and rounds out all those cocoa and brown sugar notes.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Provides structure so your bars hold their shape yet stay soft in the center.
• Baking Soda (3/4 teaspoon): Lifts the dough just enough for that “thick-cookie” vibe.
• Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors to life and balances the sweetness.
• Red, White & Blue M&M’S (1 1/2 cups, plus more for topping): The heroes of the recipe, they provide color, crunch, and pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (1 cup, plus more for topping): Sprinkled throughout and on top, these guarantee extra chocolaty goodness and melt beautifully into the bars.

Variations

Making these Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars your own is half the fun! Feel free to take a creative detour—whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs, flavors, or simply mixing up the color scheme for other occasions.

• Swap the Candy Colors: Celebrate any holiday or birthday by switching out the M&M’S for pastels at Easter, greens and reds at Christmas, or all blue for a fun baby shower twist.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: If you like some extra crunch, chopped toasted pecans or walnuts blend perfectly into the dough (about 1/2 cup does the trick).
• Peanut Butter Dream: Stir in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough or add peanut butter chips for another layer of richness.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and double-check your candy brands for gluten-free status—the results are still wonderfully soft and chewy!

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

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures even baking from the very first minute. Line a 9×13-inch aluminum baking pan with foil, leaving extra to overhang the sides for easy lifting later. Give the foil a generous coat of nonstick spray, so your Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars come out clean and beautiful.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with hand beaters), beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Let it whip up until light, creamy, and oh-so-fluffy—this step sets the stage for ultra-soft cookie bars.

Step 3: Beat in Eggs & Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is silky smooth—this gives your bars their rich, tender crumb.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Now, lower your mixer speed. Slowly add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat until just combined—don’t overmix at this point, so your bars stay soft and tender, never tough.

Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff

Gently fold in those dazzling Red, White & Blue M&M’S and mini chocolate chips, making sure you reserve a handful of each for topping. Stir just enough to distribute everything evenly without smashing the candies.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Scrape the dough into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula. Scatter the reserved M&M’S and chocolate chips on top for those photogenic, bakery-style looks. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks just set—don’t overbake!

Step 7: Cool, Slice & Enjoy

Let your cookie bars cool completely in the pan—trust me, cutting them too soon means a gooey, crumbly mess (delicious, but not so photogenic!). Once cool, use your foil overhang to lift out, slice into squares, and get ready for the oohs and aahs!

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

Garnishes

For an extra festive finish, sprinkle a few more Red, White & Blue M&M’S right after the bars come out of the oven—they’ll melt in slightly for a glossy look. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a shower of patriotic sprinkles ups the wow factor and makes them pop even more on the dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookie bars with summer favorites like fresh-cut fruit, lemonade, or classic vanilla ice cream—simple sides that complement their sweet, buttery charm. For a celebration, a cold glass of milk (or oat milk!) always earns rave reviews, especially with kids.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars on a tiered cake stand for a festive centerpiece, or individually wrap them in cellophane bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbon for grab-and-go party treats. Serving them slightly warm with individual scoops of ice cream transforms them into decadent cookie sundaes nobody can resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, and you’ll love sneaking one with your morning coffee or packing them in lunchboxes!

Freezing

Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap cut bars individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a zipper bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—thaw on the counter whenever cravings strike or for last-minute guests.

Reheating

Craving that just-baked gooiness? Pop a bar in the microwave for about 10–12 seconds. The chocolate gets melty, the bar softens up, and suddenly you’re back to that warm, fresh-from-the-oven joy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a festive spark and a whole lot of joy to your table, give these Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars a go. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough for your biggest celebrations. I can’t wait for you to bake up a batch and watch them disappear—one rainbow-studded square at a time!

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