If you’re craving a cookie bar that’s bursting with chewy, chocolatey goodness and a nostalgic pop of colorful crunch, let me share my all-time favorite Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe. This recipe is a game changer — the nutty brown butter gives these bars a rich depth of flavor that you just can’t beat, and the festive M&M’s make them the perfect treat for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a staple in your baking rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Brown Butter Magic: Adds a toasty, nutty richness that deepens the flavor beyond your average cookie bar.
- M&M Fun Factor: The colorful candies stay perfectly chewy, adding a delightful pop in every bite.
- Easy Prep: Uses simple pantry ingredients and minimal steps, perfect for a no-stress baking session.
- Perfect Balance: Combines soft centers with slightly crispy edges that your family and friends will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe calls for familiar ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Choosing quality butter and fresh eggs really elevates the final product, while the Christmas M&M’s bring just the right mix of sweetness and color.
- Salted Butter: Browning it yourself unlocks deeper flavor, trust me, this is where the magic starts.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel note that complements the brown butter.
- Granulated Sugar: For that perfect balance of sweetness and softness.
- Large Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix in more evenly, giving a better texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of this cookie bar—make sure it’s fresh for the best rise and texture.
- Baking Soda: Helps these bars rise just right for that tender crumb.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that pair beautifully with the buttery base.
- Christmas M&M’s: Adds color, crunch, and that signature candy-coated sweetness.
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses: A secret indulgence sprinkled on top for melty chocolate goodness.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top to balance sweetness with just a hint of saltiness.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. You can easily swap out ingredients or add new mix-ins to switch things up without losing the essence of that amazing brown butter flavor.
- Different Chocolate: I’ve swapped semi-sweet chips for white or dark chocolate chips with great results—each brings its own vibe.
- Nutty Addition: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch — my kids love this twist.
- Holiday M&M Variants: Beyond Christmas colors, try peanut M&M’s or seasonal colors to match your celebration.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it friendly for everyone without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter Like a Pro
This step is the heart of the recipe. Melt your salted butter over medium heat, swirling the pan as it melts. After about 3-4 minutes, you’ll see tiny brown flecks appear and smell that irresistible nutty aroma—that’s your cue to remove it from heat! Pour it into a heatproof bowl and cool it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes—this quick chill helps keep your eggs from cooking when added later. Just be careful not to leave it in too long or it’ll firm back up and be tough to mix.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Sugars
Once your brown butter is perfectly cooled yet still liquid, beat it with the dark brown and granulated sugars. I like using my stand mixer here because it makes the work easier and ensures everything comes together smoothly. Then, add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, beating until combined and silky.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix, or your bars may turn out tough. Next, stir in the M&M’s—but here’s a trick: scoop out one cup of dough and set it aside. Then, mix chocolate chips into the remaining dough. This layering of dough and candies is what creates that irresistible texture and look!
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Press the chocolate-chip-studded dough evenly into your parchment-lined 9×13 pan. Then, gently press the reserved M&M dough on top—don’t worry if it doesn’t cover perfectly, that rustic look is part of the charm! Feel free to sprinkle a few extra M&M’s on top for added cheer. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes until edges are golden and the center’s just slightly doughy. This chewiness is what I live for.
Step 5: Add Kisses and Finish Baking
Right after the timer goes off, immediately press the halved Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses all over the top. Pop the cookie bars back in the oven for another 1-2 minutes—just enough to gently melt those kisses without spreading them everywhere. Then, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm bars. Trust me, that salty contrast is what sends these cookie bars over the top.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bars cool for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing so they hold their shape and don’t crumble. But if you’re anything like me, eating them a little warm with melty chocolate is absolutely heavenly—so go ahead, treat yourself!
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
- Watch the Butter Carefully: Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so stay attentive and swirl frequently for even browning.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking develops gluten which makes bars tough—mix until ingredients just come together for tender results.
- Use Parchment Paper: This ensures easy cleanup and bars that lift out without crumbling.
- Flaky Salt Finish: Adds a cool crunch and amplifies the chocolate and caramel notes—don’t skip!
How to Serve Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For serving, I love a light sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt—just a pinch amps up that sweet-and-salty combo. Quick dusting of powdered sugar works too if you’re after a more classic look. Fresh mint leaves can add a nice pop of color and freshness, especially during the holidays.
Side Dishes
This cookie bar is a sweet star on its own, but pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to another level. Or serve alongside a simple bowl of mixed berries to balance the richness. For coffee lovers, of course, a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte is the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these at a party, try cutting them into festive shapes with cookie cutters once cooled, or serve on a decorative platter with extra M&M’s scattered around. Wrapping individual bars in parchment for gifts always earns brownie points and smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars stay delicious stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I usually keep mine on the counter for quick snacks or lunchbox treats—just bring them to room temp if they’ve been in a cooler spot before enjoying.
Freezing
Freeze leftover bars by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then storing in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
Warm frozen or leftover bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to get that freshly baked melty feeling back. Just watch closely so they don’t dry out!
FAQs
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Can I use regular butter instead of salted butter in this Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, just be sure to add a little extra salt—about 1/4 teaspoon—to the dough to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors. Salt is crucial for bringing out the rich nuances of the brown butter and chocolate.
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Why is browning the butter important in this recipe?
Browning the butter transforms its flavor into something deeper and nuttier, which makes these cookie bars uniquely delicious. It also adds caramel-like notes that complement the sweetness of the sugars and M&M’s, resulting in a complex, irresistible treat.
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Can I substitute M&M’s for other types of candy or chocolate?
Definitely! While M&M’s add fun color and crunch, you can substitute with Reese’s Pieces, candy-coated chocolate chunks, or mini peanut butter cups for a different twist. Just keep in mind that some candies melt differently, so watch the baking time accordingly.
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How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft, just set center. The bars will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking—this ensures a chewy, tender texture rather than a dry or crunchy one. The center should look a bit doughy but not raw.
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Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Yes! These bars store beautifully and can be baked a day or two in advance. Just store them tightly covered at room temperature or in the fridge, and bring them to room temperature before serving—they taste fantastic either way.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe brings joy every time I bake it—whether it’s a holiday treat or a random weeknight pick-me-up. The blend of the brown butter’s richness, melty chocolate, and colorful M&M’s feels like a warm hug in dessert form. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a recipe that’s easy, fun, and absolutely delicious. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch—you’ll thank me later!
Print
Brown Butter M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 22 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Butter Christmas M&M Cookie Bars bring a festive twist to classic cookie bars with rich, nutty browned butter, vibrant holiday M&M’s, and melty chocolate kisses on top. Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, they’re an ideal treat to share during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s (or more as desired)
- 10–12 Hershey’s Milk chocolate kisses, halved
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Add the butter to a skillet over medium heat and cook, swirling occasionally, until it starts to brown and smell nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the browned butter to a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill slightly but not solidify.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the slightly chilled browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, mixing until just incorporated.
- Add M&M’s and Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the Christmas M&M’s. Then, scoop out about 1 cup of the cookie dough and set it aside. Stir the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the remaining dough and press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Reserved Dough and Bake: Take the reserved portion of dough and press it gently on top of the base layer to mostly cover. Add any additional M&M’s on top if you like. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the bars are golden brown on the edges but still slightly soft and doughy in the center.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately arrange the halved Hershey’s Milk chocolate kisses evenly over the top of the bars. Return the pan to the oven for 1-2 minutes, just until the chocolate kisses gently melt.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm cookie bars. Serve warm for a soft, melty treat or allow to cool completely before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to achieve a smoother, more cohesive dough.
- Do not brown the butter for too long; watch carefully to avoid burning, which will make the flavor bitter.
- Chilling the browned butter slightly helps incorporate air and ensures better texture in the bars.
- Parchment paper lining makes clean-up easier and helps remove the bars without breaking.
- For extra indulgence, add more M&M’s or chocolate chips on top before baking if desired.
- If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
- These bars are best enjoyed within 5 days but can be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2×2 inches)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
