Easy No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars Recipe: Sweet Success!

Sweet memories of childhood cravings burst through these no-bake M&M cookie dough bars that capture pure nostalgia.

Mixing chocolate candies into creamy dough creates an instant happiness boost for snack enthusiasts.

Soft, chewy textures melt perfectly without requiring any baking effort.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of smooth chocolate chip cookie base and colorful candy crunch.

Small batches come together quickly with minimal kitchen skills required.

Ingredients easily mix in one bowl, making preparation ridiculously simple.

You’ll want to share these irresistible treats with everyone who appreciates a quick, delectable dessert.

Cookie Dough Bar FAQ

• Why do I need to heat the flour before making this recipe?

Heating flour kills potential harmful bacteria like E. coli, making the raw cookie dough safe to eat without baking.

• Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate chips for M&Ms. The recipe will still taste delicious, and you’ll maintain the same basic texture and flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe contains dairy and is not gluten-free. For those with specific dietary needs, you’ll need to use alternative ingredients like gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter substitutes.

• How do I know if I've heated the flour correctly?

Use a food thermometer to check that the flour reaches 165F, or follow the recommended microwave or oven method to ensure food safety.

Why You’ll Love These M&M Cookie Dough Bars

• Sprinkle colorful M&M's throughout the dough, allowing children to participate in mixing and decorating, creating a fun family cooking experience.
• Toasting flour eliminates potential bacteria, ensuring a safe no-bake treat that's both delicious and health-conscious.
• Perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous dessert cravings, these bars come together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

What Goes Into No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that becomes safe to eat after heat treatment, providing the classic cookie dough texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the cookie dough and helps bind ingredients together.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the classic cookie dough flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic cookie dough flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, soft texture.

• M&M Candies: Colorful chocolate candies that add crunch and fun visual appeal to the cookie dough bars.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Provides extra chocolate flavor and traditional cookie dough texture.

Step-by-Step for Making These Colorful Bars

Step 1: Prepare Safe Flour

Heat flour in the oven or microwave to eliminate any potential bacteria. Spread flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals, until the flour reaches 165°F. Allow the flour to cool completely before using.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until smooth and creamy, creating a light and fluffy mixture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Sterilized flour
• Salt
• Chocolate chips

Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Add Colorful Crunch

Sprinkle generously with colorful M&M candies, mixing them into the dough for bursts of chocolate and color.

Step 5: Press Into Pan

Transfer the cookie dough mixture into a lined square baking pan. Use a spatula or clean hands to press the dough firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the bars firm up and develop a perfect no-bake texture.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Remove the chilled bars from the refrigerator. Lift the entire sheet of cookie dough out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into neat squares using a sharp knife.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Treat

Serve the chilled M&M cookie dough bars immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips for Chilling, Slicing, and Serving

• Sterilize Flour Safely: Heat flour in the oven or microwave to eliminate potential bacteria, ensuring a safe no-bake dessert experience.
• Choose Quality M&Ms: Select fresh, vibrant M&Ms for a colorful and flavorful cookie dough bar that looks as good as it tastes.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to achieve a firm, sliceable consistency that holds its shape beautifully.
• Line Pan Smartly: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and clean, precise cutting of the cookie dough bars.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Swap M&Ms with chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to create your own unique no-bake cookie dough variation.

How to Keep Cookie Dough Bars Fresh

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight for gentle thawing.
• For best texture and flavor, consume bars chilled. Let them sit at room temperature for just a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Pair These Bars with Ice Cream or Drinks

• Rich dark chocolate wine like cabernet sauvignon intensifies the sweet M&M cookie dough notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Smooth vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, velvety contrast to the dense cookie dough bars, balancing rich sweetness.
• Cold milk- especially whole milk or chocolate milk- perfectly cuts through the sweetness and highlights the M&M candy's colorful texture.
• Freshly brewed espresso brings a robust, slightly bitter edge that beautifully offsets the sugary cookie dough, awakening taste buds.

Fun Flavor Add-Ins to Try

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with certified gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version of the no-bake bars.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter for coconut oil, use plant-based chocolate chips, and replace eggs with mashed banana or flax egg to make a completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly dessert.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute M&M's with sunflower seed chocolate candies or colored chocolate chips for those with nut allergies, maintaining the colorful and fun appearance of the original recipe.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free chocolate chips, replace regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and reduce the overall sugar content while keeping the delicious cookie dough texture.

No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate chip cookie dough meets playful m&m candies in these no-bake bars that promise pure indulgence. Creamy, chilled layers of chocolatey goodness deliver delightful texture and rich flavor you’ll crave with every single bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
• ½ cup (113 grams/1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup (150 grams) brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor and Garnish Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters/2 fluid ounces) milk (or heavy cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips
• ¾ cup (120 grams) M&M candies
• ¼ cup (40 grams) M&Ms (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter

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Instructions

1. Sanitize the flour by spreading it evenly on a baking sheet, toasting in the oven until it reaches a safe temperature, ensuring any potential bacteria are eliminated.
2. Allow the flour to cool completely to room temperature, creating a safe base for the raw cookie dough preparation.
3. Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth foundation for the cookie dough.
5. Incorporate vanilla extract and mix thoroughly, distributing the aromatic flavor throughout the mixture.
6. Gradually fold in the cooled, sanitized flour, stirring until a consistent dough texture develops.
7. Gently blend in the chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
8. Sprinkle M&M candies across the surface, pressing them lightly into the dough for maximum visual appeal and flavor integration.
9. Transfer the prepared dough into the lined pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Refrigerate the dough for approximately 1-2 hours, allowing it to firm up and set completely.
11. Once chilled, lift the dessert out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper.
12. Slice into uniform bars, creating neat and appealing servings.
13. Store the cookie dough bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve, maintaining their optimal texture and taste.

Notes

• Heat-treat flour by spreading on a baking sheet or microwaving to eliminate potential bacteria, ensuring safe consumption of raw cookie dough.
• Chill bars for at least 2 hours before slicing to achieve clean, crisp edges and allow flavors to meld together perfectly.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and easier blending of ingredients, creating a more consistent cookie dough texture.
• Opt for mini M&M’s for more even distribution throughout the dough, giving each bite a delightful chocolate crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg