M&M’s Halloween Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These M&M’s Halloween Cookie Bars are a festive and fun treat perfect for celebrating the spooky season. Chewy and loaded with colorful candy, they are easy to make and delight both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups Halloween M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
• Optional: candy eyeballs, Halloween sprinkles, crushed Oreos, peanut butter chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and most of the Halloween M&M’s, reserving some to sprinkle on top.
6. Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press it down gently, then top with the reserved M&M’s and any optional decorations like candy eyeballs or sprinkles.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or peanut butter chips in place of some of the chocolate chips.
• Use festive Halloween sprinkles and candy eyeballs to enhance the spooky theme and add more color.
• Be sure not to overbake—cookies should remain soft in the center for the best chewy texture.
• If you prefer, swap the Halloween M&M’s for regular M&M’s or other colorful candies according to the season.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid an overly salty flavor.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Absolutely. Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

M&M’s Halloween Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 77 reviews

Delight in these festive M&M’s Halloween Cookie Bars, bursting with colorful candy and rich chocolate chips baked into a buttery, soft cookie base. Perfect for Halloween parties or seasonal treats, these bars offer a fun and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a festive twist.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins and Toppings

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups Halloween M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
• Optional: candy eyeballs, Halloween sprinkles, crushed Oreos, peanut butter chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, ensuring not to overmix the dough.
5. Fold in candy: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and most of the Halloween M&M’s into the dough, reserving some candies to sprinkle on top before baking.
6. Spread into pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Decorate the top by pressing the reserved M&M’s and any optional candy eyeballs, Halloween sprinkles, or crushed Oreos for added festive flair.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown while the center remains just set for soft, chewy bars.
8. Cool and slice: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
• Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the bars tender.
• If desired, customize toppings with festive Halloween candies or sprinkles.
• Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For thicker bars, use a smaller baking pan or reduce the baking time slightly.

Keywords: Halloween cookie bars, M&M cookie bars, Halloween dessert, chocolate chip cookie bars, festive Halloween treats