If you are searching for a fun twist on classic cookie bars that pack a punch of sweet, chocolatey, and colorful deliciousness, this Oreo M&M Cookie Bar Recipe is where your cravings take center stage. Combining the crunchy goodness of Oreo cookies with the cheerful crunch of M&M candies, these bars create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Soft, chewy, and bursting with little pockets of chocolate and candy-coated joy, this treat is as delightful to share as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the best part of this recipe. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s providing the rich buttery base, the irresistible sweetness, or that iconic Oreo crunch that makes these cookie bars unforgettable.
- All Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cookie bars, creating structure and the perfect chewiness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness and keeps the texture moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted for easy mixing and to deliver richness without overpowering.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together with a tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- Oreo Cookies: Crushed roughly to add crunch and the classic chocolate and cream flavor in every bite.
- M&M Candy: Sprinkled on top for a playful crunch and colorful pop that makes these bars visually appealing and extra tasty.
How to Make Oreo M&M Cookie Bar Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Kick off this recipe by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 360 degrees Fahrenheit) and lining a 15 cm square pan with parchment paper. This setup ensures your bars bake evenly and come out clean, making slicing and serving a breeze.
Step 2: Whip Together the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine your cooled melted butter with the brown sugar, whipping until the mixture turns creamy and well combined. This step is key to achieving that soft, chewiness in the final bars, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 3: Blend in the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add your egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until everything is smoothly blended. The vanilla’s subtle sweetness complements the Oreos and M&Ms beautifully, tying all your flavors together.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Oreos
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour along with your roughly crushed Oreo cookies. Mixing just enough to combine helps keep the bars tender while ensuring those delightful Oreo chunks are scattered throughout for every bite.
Step 5: Spread, Top, and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the M&M candies on top for that signature burst of color and crunch. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled cookie bars into 16 generous squares. These treat-sized portions are perfect for sharing or saving as little sweet pick-me-ups throughout your day.
How to Serve Oreo M&M Cookie Bar Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a little extra flair that complements the candy-coated M&Ms and cookies already baked right in.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair enchantingly with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy drinks balance the sweetness and make every bite feel indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dessert idea, stack the bars on a pretty platter with fresh berries scattered around. To wow guests, serve them alongside a small bowl of extra M&M candies or crushed Oreos so everyone can customize their own bar toppings after the fact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Oreo M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for weekend treats or easy weekday snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To enjoy a slightly warm bar, pop it in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm it briefly in a low oven. This softens the bars and melts the candy bits just slightly, bringing back that fresh-baked sensation.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate candies instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap M&Ms with chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or any colorful candy of your choice. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the balance of flavors and texture.
Do I have to use Oreo cookies or can I substitute?
Oreo cookies give this recipe its iconic taste, but you can definitely experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies or even crushed chocolate chip cookies for a twist.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Using salted butter will add a slight saltiness that some might enjoy, but it might impact the sweetness balance. If using salted butter, consider reducing any additional salt if your recipe calls for it.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the texture. Keep in mind the Oreos themselves are not gluten-free unless using a specific gluten-free version.
How thick will the cookie bars be in the 15 cm pan?
The bars will have a nice, thick 1 to 1.5-inch height, giving you that perfect chew and allowing for plenty of Oreo and M&M goodness in each bite, making the portion feel indulgent and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Oreo M&M Cookie Bar Recipe enough if you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always brings smiles around the table. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Oreo M&M Cookie Bar Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
A deliciously chewy and colorful Oreo M&M Cookie Bar that combines crunchy Oreo pieces with vibrant M&M candies baked into a soft, sweet cookie base. Perfect as a fun treat for parties or a delightful dessert to share.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour (120 grams)
- 10 Oreo Cookies (crushed roughly)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (melted, 110 grams)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (200 grams)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
Toppings
- ¾ cup M&M Candy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (360°F). Line a 15 cm square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled melted butter and brown sugar. Whip them together until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and the roughly crushed Oreo cookies to form a smooth batter.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pan, spreading it out smoothly. Sprinkle the M&M candies on top evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cookie edges are set and the top is slightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bar to cool completely before slicing. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve as a fun, sweet treat.
Notes
- Letting the butter cool before mixing prevents cooking the egg prematurely.
- You can substitute M&Ms with any colorful candy or chocolate chips as preferred.
- Ensure the cookie bars cool completely for clean slicing and better texture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
