4th Of July M&M Cookie Bars

These 4th of July M&M Cookie Bars are thick, chewy cookie bars baked in a 9×13 pan with red, white, and blue M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. They’re easy to make, easy to slice, and perfect for taking to picnics, potlucks, fireworks parties, and summer cookouts.

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Cookies With A Patriotic Twist

When it’s time for a patriotic celebration, there’s nothing quite like these chewy cookie bars to add some colorful fun! These tasty treats are packed with vibrant colors and a delicious mix of chewy cookie dough and irresistible M&M candies. Whether it’s Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any other patriotic party, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for kids and grown-ups alike.

I love these bars for packing up and taking to potlucks. They are easy to make in your 9 x 13-inch baking dish, and changing out the M&M’s colors makes them fun for just about any holiday.

What Makes These M&M Cookie Bars So Easy

• Made in a 9×13 pan, so there is no need to scoop or roll the dough.
• Uses basic baking ingredients plus M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
• Easy to slice and pack for picnics, potlucks, and cookouts.
• Chewy in the center with golden edges.
• Change the M&M colors for other holidays.

Cookie Bar Ingredients

This cookie dough is easy to make with everyday baking staples: all-purpose flour, baking soda, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and our favorite spice, vanilla.

Add these ingredients to make these bar cookies extra special:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips add flavor and give cookies a delicious textural twist. 
• M&M: Not only do the red, white and blue M&M’s make these cookies look cute, but they also add delicious pockets of melted chocolate throughout each bite! Regular M&M’s work just fine. For a patriotic look, you can pick out the red and blue candies or use regular M&M’s and add red, white, and blue sprinkles on top.
• Sprinkles: Patriotic-colored sprinkles make these cookies extra festive. 

How To Make Fourth Of July Cookies: Step-By-Step 

See the recipe card below for complete instructions.

Step 1. Line a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2. Add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to a large bowl.  Cream the sugar and butter with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed.

Step 3. Add the eggs, salt and vanilla, and mix on medium speed until incorporated. You can use your stand mixer for this recipe or a handheld mixer.

Step 4. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the batter, mixing until it becomes a thick cookie-dough consistency. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything mixes in.

Step 5. Fold in the M&M’s, semisweet chocolate chips and sprinkles with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 6. Press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan in an even layer. If desired, add additional M&Ms or sprinkles on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Step 7. When done, set the bars on a cooling rack. When completely cooled, you can pull them out of the pan onto a cutting board and cut them into squares. You can also leave the cookies in the pan; just cut and ENJOY!

See all of those colors? That’s why we like to call these fireworks cookies.

Bar Cookies FAQs

Want To Store For Later: Here’s How

Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to four days.

You can also freeze the baked cookies. Once cooled and cut into squares, store the cookie bars in an airtight freezer container for up to three months.

Learn How To Make The Bar Cookie Dough Ahead

Nothing is better than having cookie dough in the fridge or freezer so you can get a head start on party prep or have it ready to bake when needed.

1. Make the cookie dough, refrigerate it for up to 3 days, then transfer it to the baking pan and bake.
2. Freeze the unbaked cookie dough by wrapping it in plastic wrap, then in an airtight freezer container or bag, for up to 3 months. Allow it to come to room temperature, then pat it in the pan and bake as instructed.

More Patriotic Desserts

Try these favorite red, white and blue desserts for cookies, cakes and more.

• Make these Red, White and Blue Layered Jello Cups and hide a cherry in the middle for fun. 
• No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream with M&M’s in the prettiest patriotic colors makes the best Independence Day dessert.
• These 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars are easy to make in a 9×13-inch pan. Top with creamy icing and colorful sprinkles.
• Here you can find 15 Red, White and Blue Desserts that are fun and festive.
• Cupcakes are always a favorite, and these 4th of July Cupcakes are easy to make and perfect for a celebration.

Recipe

Tried it? Rate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & comment below; your feedback keeps the oven mitts flying here at One Hot Oven.

First published: June 12, 2023. Last updated: June 29, 2026, for better readability.

Thank you for stopping by the One Hot Oven blog.  Please leave a comment to say hello or tell me what you are baking; I always love hearing from fellow bakers. Have any questions or want to chat about the recipe? Please visit my About page for information, and I’ll be happy to help!

About Jere’                             

From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending.  Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.