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M&M Sugar Cookie Bars


  • Author: Ava Reed
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These M&M Sugar Cookie Bars have all the buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies but without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. Just press the dough into a pan, bake, and slice into soft, chewy bars loaded with colorful M&Ms! They’re perfect for holidays, birthday parties, lunchbox treats, or an easy weeknight dessert. Plus, you can customize them with seasonal M&Ms for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (7.4 ounces)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup M&Ms

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until fully incorporated.
  2. Fold in M&Ms, or press them on top halfway through baking for a decorative look.

Step 3: Bake & Slice

  1. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down lightly.
  2. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

Add frosting – Spread vanilla or chocolate frosting on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Make it colorful – Use seasonal M&Ms for holidays like Easter, Christmas, or Halloween.
Soft vs. Crunchy – Bake slightly less for softer bars or longer for crispier edges.
Swap mix-ins – Try white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or peanut butter M&Ms for a twist!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American