Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Bars

why make this recipe

These Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Bars are easy and fast. They make a soft, sweet snack that kids and adults like. The bars use simple pantry items and bake in one pan. If you enjoy chewy treats, try the chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies for another soft cookie idea.

introduction

This recipe makes thick, soft bars with peanut butter and colorful M&M’s. The bars are sweet, chewy, and bright from the candies. You can make them for a quick dessert, a bake sale, or a snack box.

how to make Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Bars

Make the dough, press it in a pan, and bake. Mix melted butter and brown sugar, add peanut butter and egg, then fold in the dry mix and M&M’s. Press the dough into a greased pan and bake until the center is set. Let the bars cool before cutting so they hold their shape. For a similar soft texture, see the chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies recipe.

Ingredients :

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Jif works best!)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup M&M’s (chocolate candies)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter and egg, and mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the M&M’s.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
9. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
10. Enjoy your delicious bars!

how to serve Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Bars

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Serve with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or tea. These bars work well in lunch boxes or on a dessert plate.

how to store Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Bars

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months, wrapped well.

tips to make Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Bars

• Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture.
• Do not overmix the dough once you add flour. Mix until just combined.
• Press the dough evenly in the pan so bars bake the same.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean squares.

variation (if any)

• Swap M&M’s for chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Use crunchy peanut butter for a nutty bite.

FAQs

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: You can, but texture may change. Natural peanut butter can make the dough a bit softer.

Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: A 9×9 inch pan is best. A larger pan will make thinner bars and reduce bake time a little.

Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: No, this recipe bakes well without chilling. Chill only if dough is too soft to press.

Q: Can I use mini M&M’s?
A: Yes, mini M&M’s work fine and spread more evenly through the dough.

Ellie

Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Bars

These Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter M&M Bars are a delightful, sweet snack that both kids and adults will love, perfect for desserts, bake sales, or snack boxes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 16 squares

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Baking Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Jif works best!)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Mix-ins

• 1 cup M&M’s (chocolate candies)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter and egg, and mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the M&M’s.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Baking

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
2. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Notes

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. These bars work well in lunch boxes or on a dessert plate. Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months, wrapped well.