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Crunchy No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Crunchy No-Bake M&M Cookie Dough Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

M&M cookie dough bars offer a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for casual gatherings. Sweet chocolate chips and colorful candies create a playful treat you’ll love to share with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
  • ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar (packed)
  • ½ cup (113 g/1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup (120 g) M&Ms
  • ¼ cup (40 g) M&Ms (for garnish)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 mL/2 fl oz) milk (or heavy cream)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Flour Preparation: Spread flour on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, eliminating potential bacteria, then allow to cool completely to room temperature.
  2. Pan Setup: Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess hangs over sides for effortless removal.
  3. Dough Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then blend in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Flour Integration: Fold cooled, sanitized flour into the butter mixture, stirring until a consistent dough texture emerges.
  5. Candy Incorporation: Gently mix chocolate chips throughout the dough, then delicately press M&M candies across the surface, distributing them evenly.
  6. Chilling Process: Transfer dough to prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until completely set.
  7. Serving Preparation: Remove chilled dough from pan using parchment paper overhang, slice into uniform bars, and store in refrigerator until serving time.

Notes

  • Sanitize Flour Safely: Toast flour in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and eliminate potential bacteria without burning.
  • Achieve Creamy Texture: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature but not melted, allowing for smooth blending with sugars and creating a light, fluffy base for the cookie dough.
  • Perfect Cutting Technique: Use a sharp, clean knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to create clean, precise bars without crumbling or sticking.
  • Storage and Dietary Modifications: Keep bars refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with heat-treated almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same toasting process for safety.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg