There is nothing quite like the joyful burst of colors and comforting sweetness found in this Easter Cookie Bars Recipe, perfect for brightening up your spring celebrations. Combining the soft, buttery richness of sugar cookie dough with the nostalgic touch of chocolate chip cookie mix, and studded with vibrant Easter M&M’s, these bars deliver a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that your friends and family will crave. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just because, this recipe transforms pantry basics into a show-stopping treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. There are two white bowls filled with dry mixes: one bowl contains a white sugar cookie mix with a powdery texture, and the other holds a chocolate chip cookie mix with visible chocolate chips embedded in the light tan mixture. Next to these, there is a white bowl filled with colorful Easter mix M&M's in pastel shades of green, yellow, purple, and blue, creating bright pops of color. A white rectangular dish contains six large brown eggs, smooth and shiny. Two sticks of butter, pale yellow and wrapped in paper labeled

The magic behind these Easter Cookie Bars Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the rich butter that makes every bite melt in your mouth, to the colorful Easter M&M’s that add a cheerful crunch and pop of color, every component is essential to the perfect balance of taste and texture.

1 bag (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix: Provides the sweet, tender base with a classic buttery flavor.
1 bag (17.5 oz) chocolate chip cookie mix: Adds delightful chocolatey notes and additional chewiness.
2 large eggs: Helps bind the dough together, giving the bars structure and softness.
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter (softened): Infuses richness and a moist crumb that’s simply irresistible.
1 cup Easter M&M’s (divided): Sprinkles of pastel-colored candy that bring festive color and melty chocolate surprises.

How to Make Easter Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Set your oven temperature to 325°F so it’s perfectly preheated when you’re ready to bake. Prepare a 9×13 baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. I like to spray the pan first, then lay down a pre-cut parchment sheet for easy removal and nice clean edges when cutting.

Step 2: Combine the Cookie Mixes

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar cookie mix and chocolate chip cookie mix until well combined. This blend is what makes the bars both tender and richly flavored—trust me, the combo works wonders!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Butter

Mix in the eggs and softened butter with a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer. Beat on medium for about 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth and evenly combined. This step is key to getting that perfect creamy texture in your bars.

Step 4: Fold in Most of the Easter M&M’s

Gently stir in about 3/4 cup of the colorful Easter M&M’s to disperse the candy evenly throughout the dough, ensuring surprises of chocolate and candy crunch in every bite.

Step 5: Spread Dough and Top with Remaining M&M’s

Carefully spread the dough into your prepared pan, smoothing out the surface. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of Easter M&M’s on top for a festive finish that bakes right into the bars!

Step 6: Bake Until Edges Are Golden

Pop the pan into your oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Look for edges that are golden brown while the center should remain pale and just set. A toothpick will come out with some crumbs but no wet batter. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake — if they brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Cutting

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 1-2 hours. This waiting game is worth it since the cookie bars firm up perfectly for clean squares that hold their shape.

How to Serve Easter Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows thick square blondie bars with a rough and cracked top layer in light golden brown. Each bar is decorated on top with colorful candy-coated chocolates in pastel shades of pink, purple, yellow, blue, and green. The bars reveal a slightly dense and chewy texture with visible chunks of melted chocolate inside. The brownies are placed directly on a white marbled surface with some chopped straw-like elements in the background and two striped paper straws visible behind the bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to add an extra touch, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for a pretty polish. A few extra Easter M&M’s scattered on top right before serving amps up the festive vibe and invites smiles.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some fresh berries, or a simple glass of cold milk. They also complement coffee or tea perfectly, making them an ideal treat for brunch or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the Easter Cookie Bars on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching centerpiece or wrap individual squares in colorful parchment tied with pastel ribbons for a charming Easter gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered well protects their softness and prevents the M&M’s from losing their vibrant color.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight at room temperature for convenience anytime.

Reheating

If you prefer your Easter Cookie Bars slightly warm, reheat in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. The flavor and texture bounce right back, making them feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of cookie mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer making your own dough from scratch, just be sure to balance the sugar cookie and chocolate chip doughs to keep the intended texture and flavor. The mix makes it especially easy, but homemade can be delicious too.

What can I substitute for Easter M&M’s?

You can use any type of colorful candy-coated chocolates or skip them altogether for a more classic cookie bar. Mini chocolate chips or chopped candy pieces also work well and add unique textures.

How do I prevent the bars from overbaking?

Watch closely near the end of the baking time and look for golden edges with a soft, pale center. If needed, tent the pan loosely with foil to prevent too much browning while the center finishes baking.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free sugar cookie and chocolate chip cookie mixes to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive folks. Just be mindful of any cross-contamination with mix-ins like M&M’s.

Are these bars good for Easter baskets?

Definitely! Cut into small squares and wrap individually, these bars add a homemade touch that’s both colorful and delicious, perfect for sharing the Easter spirit with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Easter Cookie Bars Recipe enough for adding a sprinkle of joy to your spring festivities. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy, fun, and utterly delightful, combining the best of two beloved cookie flavors with a colorful twist. Give it a try and watch as these bars become a beloved tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year.

Easter Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 15 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 20 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These Easter Cookie Bars combine two delightful cookie mixes—sugar cookie and chocolate chip cookie dough—with festive Easter M&M’s to create a soft, colorful treat perfect for springtime celebrations. Baked to golden perfection with a chewy center and a sprinkle of candy on top, these bars are easy to prepare and slice for a crowd.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1 bag (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix
1 bag (17.5 oz) chocolate chip cookie mix

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened

Add-ins

1 cup Easter M&M’s (divided: 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang to make removal and slicing easier.
Combine dry mixes: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar cookie mix and chocolate chip cookie mix until evenly blended.
Mix wet ingredients: Add in the eggs and softened butter. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until a smooth cookie dough forms.
Incorporate M&M’s: Stir 3/4 cup of Easter M&M’s into the cookie dough gently to distribute evenly.
Spread dough in pan: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
Add remaining M&M’s: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Easter M&M’s evenly over the top of the dough.
Bake carefully: Bake for 35-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just crumbs (no wet batter). The edges should be golden brown while the center remains pale. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft—cover with foil tent if browning too quickly near the end.
Cool completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 1-2 hours until fully set before lifting out and cutting into squares.