Hands up if you’re trying to make back to school fun!

I know there’s a lot of stress around school this year but I’m trying to celebrate the kick off of another year of education – especially because we’ll be doing this one at home! Yup, we’re officially homeschooling this year.

Not having to go back on the school’s schedule – or with the school’s community – definitely makes things different this year, so I’m making an effort to incorporate some new traditions and treats. And what’s more classic than a cookie bar?

These bars are like a thick chocolate chip cookie with M&Ms as an added bonus. They’re soft and chewy – and if you pop them in the microwave for about 5 seconds, the chocolate will get all nice and melty.

Whether you’re serving these as a post-school snack or packing them as a lunchbox treat, they’re sure to be a hit!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Directions
• More Back-to-School Treats
• Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/3 cups M&Ms, divided

I think classic M&Ms are perfect for this back-to-school treat – the colors remind me of a box of new crayons! If you’re making these for another occasion, switching up the M&Ms color is the perfect way to make them extra festive!

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a stand mixer, cream together the butters and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the vanilla and eggs.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add to the mixer and beat until well combined.
• Fold in chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&Ms.
• Press into a 9×12″ nonstick baking dish. Sprinkle remaining M&Ms over the top and press in slightly.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing.

I divide the M&Ms and sprinkle some across the top before baking to make sure you get those fun pops of color right on top but you can mix them in if you prefer! They’ll look a little less colorful, but taste the same!

These are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container on the counter.

More Back-to-School Treats

Summer is winding down, and we are celebrating with #BacktoSchoolTreats hosted by Terri from Love and Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. All week-long 11 bloggers will be sharing 30+ fantastic recipes for both parents and kids, with breakfasts, snacks, desserts, and drinks to get you back in the school routine.

Breakfast Recipes
Baked Glazed Chocolate Donuts by The Redhead Baker
Chai Muffins by Our Good Life
Lemon Streusel Blueberry Muffins by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Sugar Free Banana Muffins by Blogghetti

Snack Recipes
Air Fryer Hot Dog Taquitos by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Kid-Friendly Snack Board by Love & Confections

Dessert Recipes
Chocolate Chip Cookies by Family Around the Table
Frosted Fudgy Homemade Brownies by Making Miracles
M&M Cookie Bars by Kate’s Recipe Box
Monkey Tail Crescent Rolls by Palatable Pastime
Peanut Butter and Jelly Caramel Corn by Sweet Recipeas

Recipe

M&M Cookie Bars

Yield: 16-20 Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/3 cups M&Ms, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a stand mixer, cream together the butters and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vanilla and eggs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add to the mixer and beat until well combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&Ms.
7. Press into a 9x12" nonstick baking dish. Sprinkle remaining M&Ms over the top and press in slightly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden.
9. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing.