Name: M&M Easter Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark); ½ cup quick oats; 1 cup butterscotch chips; 1 cup pastel M&M’s (Easter-themed)

Easter is all about celebration, joy, and of course, sweet treats. And what better way to bring some festive cheer to your dessert table than with M&M Easter Cookie Bars? These delightful bars are a cross between a cookie and a blondie, packed with chewy, buttery, chocolatey goodness. The pastel-colored Easter M&M’s add a fun, seasonal touch, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy afternoon treat with family.

If you love soft-baked cookies, gooey chocolate chips, and a buttery graham cracker crust, then this recipe will become a new favorite. These bars are easy to make, require minimal effort, and can be prepped in under 15 minutes. The magic happens in the oven as all the layers come together, creating an irresistible chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge.

I first made these M&M Easter Cookie Bars for a family Easter get-together, and they were gone in minutes. Kids loved the bright, colorful M&M’s, while the adults appreciated the balanced sweetness and rich, buttery flavor. Since then, they’ve become a holiday staple in our home. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or just want a sweet snack, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these M&M Easter Cookie Bars, and here are a few that make them stand out:

Super Easy to Make – This is a one-bowl, no-mixer recipe that comes together in just a few minutes. Simply layer, bake, and enjoy!
Perfect for Easter – The pastel M&M’s make these bars a festive and colorful addition to your Easter celebrations.
Chewy, Buttery, and Chocolatey – The combination of graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, and condensed milk creates an incredibly soft and gooey texture with a hint of crunch.
Great for Kids and Adults Alike – These bars are always a hit at gatherings, and kids especially love the sweet, colorful M&M’s.
Customizable – You can swap out the M&M’s for your favorite mix-ins like white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts to create your own version.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert – These bars store well at room temperature or in the fridge, making them a great option for meal prepping or making in advance.

Health Benefits

While these M&M Easter Cookie Bars are an indulgence, they do offer some surprising benefits, especially when you opt for high-quality ingredients and make simple modifications:

Oats for Fiber – The addition of quick oats provides a small dose of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
Dark Chocolate for Antioxidants – If you use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate, you’ll get the benefits of antioxidants that support heart health.
Nuts for Healthy Fats – If you choose to add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, you’ll be incorporating healthy fats and protein into your dessert.
Portion Control for Enjoyment – These bars are rich and satisfying, meaning a small serving goes a long way in satisfying your sweet tooth.
Energy Boost – The combination of healthy fats, fiber, and carbohydrates makes these bars a great treat when you need a quick energy boost.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 12–16 bars

Estimated Nutrition Per Bar:

Calories: 250-300 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 22g

Ingredients List

To make these M&M Easter Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

½ cup salted butter, melted
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
½ cup quick oats
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup pastel M&M’s (Easter-themed)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat Your Oven – Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Prepare the Crust – In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until evenly moistened, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
Add the Condensed Milk – Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. This will act as the binding ingredient and create that rich, chewy texture.
Layer the Ingredients – Sprinkle on the quick oats, followed by an even layer of chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Finish by scattering the pastel M&M’s on top for that festive Easter look.
Bake to Perfection – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The center should still be slightly soft but set.
Cool Completely – Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling allows the bars to set, making slicing easier.
Slice and Serve – Once fully cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve

There are multiple ways to serve these M&M Easter Cookie Bars for different occasions:

Classic Dessert Platter – Arrange them on a serving tray with other Easter treats.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream – Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Drizzled with Chocolate – Melt a little white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for added flavor and presentation.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the sweetness of these bars, try pairing them with:

Cold Milk – A classic pairing that balances the sweetness.
Herbal Tea – Chamomile or mint tea adds a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Espresso – The slight bitterness of coffee enhances the chocolatey goodness.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for a firmer texture, especially in warmer weather.

Freezing:

Place cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

To enjoy them warm, microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making M&M Easter Cookie Bars, a few small missteps can affect the final texture, taste, and appearance. To ensure your bars come out perfectly every time, watch out for these common mistakes:

Overbaking the Bars – One of the biggest mistakes is leaving the bars in the oven for too long. If you bake them past the recommended time, they can turn out dry and hard instead of soft and chewy. The edges should be lightly golden, but the center may still look slightly underdone when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.
Not Lining the Baking Dish – Forgetting to use parchment paper or greasing the baking dish properly can make it difficult to remove the bars cleanly. Parchment paper makes lifting the entire batch out of the pan easy, allowing for smooth slicing.
Cutting the Bars Too Soon – If you try to cut the bars while they are still warm, they may fall apart or be too gooey. Allow them to cool completely before slicing to get clean, even squares.
Skipping the Pressing Step for the Crust – The graham cracker crust needs to be firmly pressed into the bottom of the pan. If it’s too loose, it won’t hold together well when you cut the bars. Using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass can help pack the crust evenly.
Using Too Many M&M’s on Top – While M&M’s add great color and texture, adding too many on top can make the bars overly sweet and prevent them from baking evenly. A balanced ratio of mix-ins ensures the best flavor.
Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly – If you use too much butter, the crust can become greasy. If you use too little, the crust may crumble apart. Precise measurements are key for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Storing Incorrectly – Leaving the bars uncovered can make them dry out quickly. Always store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain their chewy texture.

Pro Tips

If you want to take your M&M Easter Cookie Bars to the next level, here are some expert tips that can help you achieve the perfect texture, flavor, and presentation:

Toast the Oats for Extra Flavor – If you have an extra couple of minutes, lightly toast the oats in a dry pan over medium heat for a nuttier taste and enhanced texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Bringing your butter and condensed milk to room temperature before using them can help everything blend more evenly, preventing clumping.
Chill the Bars Before Cutting – If you want super clean cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes after they have cooled. This firms them up and makes slicing easier.
Customize with Different Chocolates – Instead of just semi-sweet chocolate chips, try mixing in dark chocolate or white chocolate for a more complex flavor.
Try a Salty-Sweet Combo – Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the bars before baking. The salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Make Them Extra Thick – If you prefer thicker cookie bars, bake them in a 9×9-inch pan instead of a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5 minutes.
Add a Fun Drizzle – Melt a little white chocolate or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a decorative touch. It also adds extra flavor!
Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips – The quality of chocolate makes a big difference. Opt for a good brand for richer, creamier chocolate flavor.
Let Kids Help with Decorating – If making these for Easter, let kids press in the M&M’s before baking. It makes them feel involved and adds a fun, personal touch.
Freeze for Later Enjoyment – If you have leftovers, freeze the bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They thaw beautifully and taste just as fresh when warmed slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These cookie bars can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate or freeze them.

Can I use different types of M&M’s?
Absolutely! While pastel Easter M&M’s make these bars festive, you can swap them for peanut M&M’s, caramel M&M’s, or even mini M&M’s for a fun variation.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming too hard?
To keep them soft and chewy, avoid overbaking. They should still look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven. Also, storing them in an airtight container prevents them from drying out.

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Also, ensure that your oats and M&M’s are gluten-free.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
You can use crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even shortbread cookies as a substitute. Just make sure to measure the same amount.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds make a great addition for added crunch and flavor.

How do I store these bars for the best freshness?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer them firmer, keep them in the fridge. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes! You can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips and slightly reduce the amount of butterscotch chips. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the flavors.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! If you need a bigger batch for a party or event, simply double the ingredients and bake in two pans.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in binding the layers, but you can try a mixture of heavy cream and honey as a substitute in a pinch. However, the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These M&M Easter Cookie Bars are the perfect sweet treat for spring, combining chewy, buttery, chocolatey goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making them for an Easter gathering, a school event, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. With a crisp graham cracker crust, gooey chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s, they are a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

What makes these cookie bars even better is how simple they are to prepare. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced baking skills—just a few staple ingredients and a little time. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different mix-ins like peanut butter chips, nuts, or white chocolate.

If you’ve never made cookie bars before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. The steps are straightforward, and the results are deliciously foolproof. Even if you’re short on time, you can whip up a batch in under 40 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute get-togethers or meal prep for the week.

Now it’s your turn! Try out this M&M Easter Cookie Bars recipe and share your experience. Did you try a fun variation? Did they become a new family favorite? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media. I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!