Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

Name: Red, White & Blue M&M'S Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks butter (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed); 3 large eggs; 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups Red, White & Blue M&M'S (plus more for topping); 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

Published: June 12, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of M&M’S and mini chocolate chips creates a deliciously sweet treat that everyone will love.
Festive Presentation: With its red, white, and blue colors, these cookie bars are visually appealing and great for celebrations.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday parties, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead: These cookie bars can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy your event without stress.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
9×13 aluminum baking dish
Mixing bowls
Foil
Nonstick cooking spray
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Makes mixing the ingredients easy and efficient, ensuring a fluffy batter.
9×13 aluminum baking dish: The perfect size for baking these cookie bars evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients

These easy cookie bars loaded with Red, White, and Blue M&M’S and mini chocolate chips are the perfect 4th of July Dessert.

2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of firmly packed golden brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
3 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1 1/2 cups of Red (White & Blue M&M’S, plus more for topping)
1 cup of mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line a 9×13 aluminum baking dish with foil. Leave some overhang so you can easily lift out the cookie bars later. Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3: Create the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer:
1. Beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Continue beating until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Lower the speed of your mixer and gradually add:
1. The flour,
2. Baking soda,
3. Salt,
Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Add Chocolates

Gently fold in:
1. The Red (White & Blue M&M’S)
2. Mini chocolate chips
Reserve some for topping.

Step 6: Transfer Dough to Baking Dish

Transfer your dough into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 7: Top with Extras

Press additional M&M’S and mini chocolate chips into the top of your cookie dough for an extra festive look.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Cool & Cut

Once baked, let them cool completely before lifting them out using the foil overhang. Cut into squares and serve!

These Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

For a Festive Celebration

Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs perfectly with the cookie bars for a delightful contrast.
Add Fresh Berries: Top with strawberries and blueberries for a refreshing touch that enhances the red, white, and blue theme.

At a Potluck or Picnic

Create Individual Portions: Cut cookie bars into small squares and serve in cupcake liners for easy handling.
Pack in Treat Bags: Place cookie bars in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons for a charming party favor.

As a Family Treat

Warm with Milk: Serve warm cookie bars alongside cold milk for a classic combination that kids will love.
Pair with Hot Cocoa: For colder months, enjoy these cookie bars with a hot cup of cocoa for a cozy treat.

Perfecting your Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars can make all the difference. Here are some helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookie bars soft and chewy.
Chill the Dough (Optional): Consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors.
Check for Doneness: Bake until edges are golden brown but center is still slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety.
Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Pairing side dishes with your delicious Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great suggestions.

Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses like brie and cheddar for a savory contrast that complements the sweetness.
Mini Cupcakes: Provide an assortment of mini cupcakes as another sweet option that guests can enjoy alongside cookie bars.
Pineapple Salsa: This zesty salsa offers a fruity kick that complements the rich flavors of the cookie bars beautifully.
Vegetable Tray: Include fresh veggies with a light dip to offset the desserts’ richness and provide balance.
Homemade Lemonade: Serve refreshing lemonade as a drink option to keep things light and spirited during summer gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and a dense texture. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best results.
Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Adding too much flour can make the cookie bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can create tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined; small lumps are okay!
Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookie bars as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook and become hard.
Forgetting to Reserve Toppings: If you forget to save some M&M’S and chocolate chips for the top, your bars will miss out on that delightful presentation. Always reserve a few before mixing them in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for optimal freshness.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for better structure.

Absolutely! You can swap out M&M’S for your favorite candies or use nuts instead of chocolate chips for added crunch.

These cookie bars stay fresh for about 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

These delicious cookie bars are perfect for the 4th of July, birthday parties, or any festive gathering where you want a fun dessert option!

Final Thoughts

Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty and versatile. You can easily customize them with different mix-ins or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try at your next celebration; you won’t be disappointed!

Pin4

4 Shares

Red, White & Blue M&M’S Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe