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Easy M&M Vanilla Cookie Bars Recipe

Easy M&M Vanilla Cookie Bars

Soft, chewy vanilla cookie bars made with cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and colorful M&M candies. This quick 9 x 13-inch pan dessert makes about 24 bars.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Bars
  • 1 15.25-ounce box (432 grams) Vanilla or yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 eggs Large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (about 170 grams) Plain M&M candies
Optional Topping
  • 1/2 cup Additional M&Ms or chocolate chips

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for lifting, or lightly grease the pan.
  2. Stir together the cake mix, melted and slightly cooled butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until a thick cookie dough forms. Fold in the M&M candies, reserving a few for the surface if desired.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Because the dough is thick and somewhat sticky, lightly grease your hands or use a piece of parchment to help smooth it.
  4. Bake for 18–23 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set but remains slightly soft. Do not wait for the center to look completely firm in the oven.
  5. Press extra M&Ms onto the surface immediately after baking if you want a brighter candy topping. Cool the bars completely in the pan for 30–45 minutes before lifting them out and cutting.

Notes

Do not overbake; the bars firm as they cool. Refrigerating the fully cooled slab briefly can make clean slicing easier. Store covered at room temperature for several days.