Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These M&M Cookie Bars with Oreos and PB Cups are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds! The rich, chewy cookie base serves as a perfect foundation for the combination of colorful M&Ms, crunchy Oreos, and creamy peanut butter cups. The mix of textures—from the chewy cookie to the soft peanut butter and crispy Oreo—is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to make and you can throw them together in just a few simple steps. With every bite, you get a delicious combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
8 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
8 peanut butter cups, chopped (such as Reese’s)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Add the mix-ins:
- Gently fold in the M&Ms, chopped Oreos, and chopped peanut butter cups until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Assemble and bake:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down into an even layer.
- Sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top for decoration, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy:
- Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 12-16 bars (depending on how large you cut them)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add more candy: Want even more candy in your cookie bars? Add mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or additional crushed candies like Snickers or Milky Way.
Use a different nut butter: If you prefer almond or cashew butter, you can swap the peanut butter cups with your favorite nut butter candy.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free treat. Make sure the Oreos and peanut butter cups are gluten-free as well.
Vegan version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of eggs. Ensure your peanut butter cups and Oreos are vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of candy?

Yes! You can substitute the peanut butter cups and Oreos with other candies you love, such as caramel-filled chocolates, peanut butter chips, or even chopped candy bars.

2. How do I prevent the cookie bars from getting too hard?

Be careful not to overbake the cookie bars. They should be soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven. The bars will firm up as they cool but should still remain soft and chewy.

3. Can I make these cookie bars in advance?

Yes! You can make these cookie bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep them fresh.

4. Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Absolutely! These cookie bars freeze really well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

5. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cookie dough instead of making your own. Just mix in the M&Ms, Oreos, and peanut butter cups, and bake as instructed on the package.

6. How can I make these cookie bars more chocolatey?

For extra chocolate flavor, you can add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough, or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the bars once they’ve cooled.

7. Can I add other cookies instead of Oreos?

Yes, you can try using other cookies such as Chips Ahoy, Nutter Butters, or even homemade cookies for a unique twist.

8. Can I make these bars in a different size pan?

Yes, you can use a smaller or larger pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will spread the dough thinner, so it may bake faster, while a smaller pan will make thicker bars and require a longer baking time.

9. How do I know when these bars are done?

The cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

10. Can I make a double batch?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you add extra dough.

Conclusion

These M&M Cookie Bars with Oreos and PB Cups are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a decadent, candy-filled treat. With the combination of chewy cookie, rich chocolate, and peanut butter goodness, these bars are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the delicious results!