Easy & Chewy Valentine’s Day M&M Cookie Bars: The Perfect Festive Treat
Celebrate love and sweetness this Valentine’s Day with these incredibly soft, thick, and chewy cookie bars! Packed with vibrant red, white, and pink M&Ms and an abundance of rich chocolate chips, these festive Valentine’s Day dessert bars are not only delicious but also wonderfully easy to make. Forget complicated baking, because these simple cookie bars are about to become your new holiday favorite!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the air fills with anticipation for thoughtful gestures and delightful treats. We’re thrilled to share a special Valentine-themed adaptation of our most beloved chocolate chip cookie bars. This recipe is part of the sixth annual Good Cookies Food Bloggers’ Valentine’s Event, a meaningful initiative that we’ll tell you more about below.
Why These M&M Cookie Bars Are Your Go-To Valentine’s Dessert
While we truly adore baking and intricately decorating classic Valentine’s Day cookies such as delicate meringues, charming shortbread hearts, or stunning stained-glass heart cookies, sometimes the occasion calls for something exceptionally quick, easy, and fuss-free. That’s precisely where these delightful M&M cookie bars shine!
This recipe is designed for maximum enjoyment with minimal effort. You’ll appreciate the simple 10-minute prep time, after which they are ready for the oven. There’s no need for tedious rolling, fiddly cookie cutters, messy scooping, or time-consuming chilling. Just mix, press, and bake! This straightforward approach makes them ideal for busy schedules or when you simply want to enjoy a homemade treat without all the extra steps.
Beyond their ease, these M&M cookie bars are also a fantastic option for serving a crowd. Depending on how you slice them, you can yield anywhere from 2 to 3 dozen generous cookie servings, making them perfect for school parties, family gatherings, or sharing with all your loved ones. Their vibrant colors and irresistible taste guarantee they’ll be a hit with everyone!
Supporting a Cause: Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
As mentioned, we are proudly sharing this Valentine’s Day cookie bar recipe as part of the annual Good Cookies Food Bloggers’ Valentine’s Event. This event is more than just about delicious desserts; it’s about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of children battling cancer.
The statistics surrounding childhood cancer are heartbreaking and stark: it remains the #1 cause of death by disease among children in the U.S. Right now, there are approximately 40,000 children across the United States actively fighting this devastating illness. Despite this overwhelming reality, the National Cancer Institute allocates less than 4% of its budget to childhood cancer research. This disparity highlights a critical need for increased support and funding.
It’s this profound need that fuels our passion for helping to raise funds and actively contributing to the fight against pediatric cancer. Every donation, no matter the size, helps fund vital research and develop new treatments that can save lives and improve the quality of life for these young warriors.
We invite you to stand with us and make a tangible difference by donating to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer! Our collective goal is to raise at least $3000. What makes this initiative even more impactful is the incredible generosity of three companies: OXO, Mediavine, and Dixie Crystals. Each of these partners has pledged to match every dollar we raise through this campaign, up to $3000! This means that for every $1 you donate, it transforms into $4, quadrupling the impact of your generosity.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the many of you who have already contributed. Your support means the world to these children and their families. If you haven’t had the chance to donate yet, please consider helping us reach our goal. Together, we can unlock the full matching donations and make an even greater difference in the lives of children fighting cancer. Your contribution directly supports research and provides hope.
Click here to donate today and be a part of this vital cause.
Essential Ingredients for Valentine’s Day M&M Cookie Bars
This section details the ingredients required for these delicious cookie bars, along with helpful notes and substitution options to ensure your baking success. For precise measurements and complete instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post.
- Unsalted Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before you begin. This allows it to cream properly with the sugars, creating a light, airy base for your cookie bars. If salted butter is all you have, feel free to use it, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by half to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
- Sugars: The combination of both brown and white granulated sugar is crucial here. Brown sugar contributes to the moistness and chewiness of the bars, adding a delightful depth of flavor, while granulated sugar ensures a tender crumb and helps with spreading.
- Large Eggs: Like the butter, it’s essential for your eggs to be at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily with the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive dough and a better texture in your baked goods.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Always opt for 100% pure vanilla extract. Its rich, aromatic flavor is a foundational element in these cookie bars, enhancing all the other sweet notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structural base of your cookie bars. Measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly, to avoid a dense bar.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent is key to giving your cookie bars their characteristic soft, thick, and slightly risen texture, preventing them from becoming too flat.
- Salt: A pinch of salt might seem small, but it plays a significant role in balancing the sweetness of the sugars and chocolates, ultimately enhancing all the delicious flavors in the bars.
- Valentine’s Day M&Ms: These festive candies, with their cheerful red, white, and pink hues, are what give these bars their holiday spirit and a delightful textural contrast. Don’t forget extra for pressing on top!
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: We recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips as they offer the perfect level of sweetness that complements the M&Ms without being overly rich. However, feel free to substitute with dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor or white chocolate chips for a creamier, milder taste.
How to Make Irresistible Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions with accompanying photos to create these delightful Valentine’s Day cookie bars. For the complete, printable recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Wet Ingredients. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper, ensuring you leave a generous overhang on the sides. This overhang will serve as handles, making it incredibly easy to lift the cooled cookie slab out of the pan. Lightly spray the lined pan with non-stick cooking spray, even if using non-stick foil, for extra insurance against sticking. Set this aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, usually for about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, contributing to the bars’ tender texture. Next, beat in the room temperature eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, preventing pockets of leavening agents in your finished bars.
Step 3: Gradually Add Dry to Wet. With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix only until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookie bars. A few gentle stirs after turning off the mixer might be all that’s needed.
Step 4: Fold in the Festive Mix-ins. Remove the bowl from the mixer and, using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the Valentine’s Day M&Ms and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. Reserve a small handful of M&Ms and chocolate chips for pressing into the top later.
Step 5: Press into Pan and Top. Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Using your hands (lightly greased if the dough is too sticky) or a flat spatula, gently but firmly press the dough into an even layer, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan. For an extra festive touch and visually appealing tops, press a few more reserved M&Ms and chocolate chips onto the surface of the dough before baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the cookie bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and the center still looks slightly soft, but set. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat of the pan once removed from the oven. To achieve perfectly soft and chewy bars, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial! Resist the urge to slice them warm, as they need time to set properly. Cutting them too soon can result in crumbly bars. Once fully cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan, transfer it to a cutting board, and slice into your desired bar size.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
To keep your delicious cookie bars at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully soft and chewy for 4-5 days. Beyond that, they might begin to lose some of their moisture and become a little dry.
For extended storage, these cookie bars freeze beautifully. Simply place the cooled and sliced bars in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When a sweet craving strikes, simply thaw them on the counter at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookie Bars
- Achieving Peak Softness and Chewiness: The secret to perfectly soft and chewy bars lies in knowing when to remove them from the oven. Look for edges that are just beginning to turn a light golden brown, while the center still appears slightly soft and gooey. Remember, the hot pan will continue to cook the bars even after they are out of the oven, so slightly underbaking them ensures they stay moist and not dry.
- The Art of Patience (Cooling is Key!): We understand the temptation to dive into warm cookie bars, but waiting until they are fully cooled before removing them from the pan and slicing is absolutely crucial. Cutting them while warm can lead to crumbling and a less clean cut. Patience will be rewarded with perfectly structured bars.
- Speedy Cooling Method: If you’re eager to slice your bars sooner, let the pan cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the pan to the refrigerator. This will help them cool down and firm up much quicker, allowing you to enjoy them sooner.
- Easy Removal with Foil Overhang: When lining your baking pan, make sure to leave a bit of foil or parchment paper overhanging the edges. Once the cookie bars are completely cooled and firm, you can use this overhang as a convenient handle to effortlessly lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Boost the Valentine’s Day Vibe: To enhance the festive spirit even further, consider adding some colorful Valentine’s Day sprinkles to your cookie dough along with the M&Ms and chocolate chips. You can also sprinkle a few more on top of the dough before baking for an extra pop of color and charm.
More Sweet Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas
If you’re looking for even more delightful ways to celebrate with sweets, check out these other fantastic Valentine’s Day recipes:
- Valentine’s Day Fudge: A simple, rich, and customizable fudge recipe perfect for gifting.
- Conversation Heart Cake Mix Cookies: Easy, colorful cookies made with a cake mix base, featuring classic conversation heart candies.
- Strawberry Jello Pie: A light, refreshing, and fruity pie that’s a burst of strawberry flavor, ideal for a romantic dinner.
Valentine’s Day M&M Cookie Bars
Author: Jaclyn
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
24
Ingredients
-
1 cup unsalted butter room temperature -
1 cup light brown sugar packed -
½ cup granulated sugar -
2 large eggs room temperature -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract -
3 cups all-purpose flour -
1 teaspoon baking soda -
1 teaspoon salt -
1 cup Valentine’s Day M&Ms plus extra for topping -
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus extra for topping
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper, leaving a generous bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray the lined pan with a light coat of non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
-
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract until just combined.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
-
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain; avoid overmixing.
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Gently stir in the M&Ms and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Reserve a small handful for topping.
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Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press a few more of the reserved M&Ms and chocolate chips into the top of the dough for a beautiful finish.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown and the center is set but still looks slightly soft. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before using the foil overhang to lift them out, slice, and serve.
Notes
- For perfectly soft and chewy bars, be sure to remove them from the oven just as the edges begin to turn light brown. The pan is so hot that it will essentially continue to cook the bars even after they are removed from the oven.
- Wait until your bars are fully cooled before removing them from the pan and slicing. This ensures they set properly and don’t crumble.
- In a hurry to slice up your bars? Allow the pan to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then pop it in the fridge to help cool them fully quicker.
- Make sure to leave a bit of foiling overhanging the pan so that you can use it to lift your fully cooled cookie bars out and onto a cutting board with ease.
- To up the Valentine’s Day vibe, add some festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles to your cookie dough and to the top of the dough before baking.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 35g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 13g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Trans Fat: 0.3g |
Cholesterol: 36mg |
Sodium: 158mg |
Potassium: 79mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 21g |
Vitamin A: 280IU |
Vitamin C: 0.1mg |
Calcium: 29mg |
Iron: 1mg
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For more tasty Valentine’s Day recipes and to support the Good Cookies Food Bloggers’ Valentine’s Event, be sure to visit the other talented bloggers participating:
- Heart Shaped Thumbprint Cookies from Julie of The Little Kitchen
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies from Melissa of Persnickety Plates
- Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls Ice Cream from Rose of Rose Bakes
- Salted Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cookie Bars from Jessica of A Kitchen Addiction
- Red Velvet Swirl Cheesecake Brownies from Julie of Back To My Southern Roots
- Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Latte from Lisa of Taste Cook Sip
- Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cake for Two from Faith of An Edible Mosaic
- Chocolate Petit Fours from Carlee of Cooking With Carlee
- Iced Sugar Cookies from Nina of Crazy for Cookies and More
- Valentine’s Fudge from Raquel of Organized Island
- Pink Gin Fizz from Caroline of Caroline’s Cooking
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cake from Stefanie of Stef’s Eats and Sweets
- Flourless Chunky Peanut Butter Blossoms from Colleen of Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Valentine’s Day Oatmeal M&M Cookies from Kelly of Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats
- Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies from Holly of A Baker’s House
- Gluten Free Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream Frosting from Elaine of Small Farm Big Life
- Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies from Courtney of Courtney’s Sweets
- Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes from Lisa of Blogghetti
- Valentine’s Day M&M Cookie Bars from Jaclyn of Crayons & Cravings
- Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies from Laura of Untwisted Vintage
- Guava Pink Peppercorn Margaritas from Courtney of Cook Like a Champion
- Sugar Cookie Cups from Kelsey of Dance Around the Kitchen
- Chewy Buckwheat Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Sea Salt from Lisa of Garlic & Zest
- Shortbread Hearts of Love from TammyJo of The Chocolate Cult
- Valentine Sugar Cookies from Gwynn of Swirls of Flavor
- Rhubarb Raspberry Tart from Betsy of The JavaCupcake Blog
- Sugar Cookie Cups from Kelsey of Dance Around the Kitchen
- Best Stout Beer Tiramisu from Linda of Ketchup with Linda
- Creamed Chipped Beef from Rebekah of Kitchen Gidget
- Bakery Style Peanut Butter Cookies from Becca of The Salted Cookie
- Candy Trains from Sarah of Sarah Cooks the Books
- Star Wars Grogu Heart Cookies to Support Cookies for Kids Cancer from Jenn of JustJENN Recipes
- Peanut Butter Buckeyes from Nicole of For the Love of Food
- Heart Meringues Recipe from Jennifer of The Rebel Chick
- Rye Bourbon Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Erin of The Spiffy Cookie
