If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dessert, these Easy Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a must-try! Made with just a handful of ingredients, they come together in minutes and bake into golden, chewy bars loaded with your favorite mix-ins. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or when you need a treat fast, these cookie bars are as versatile as they are tasty.
By using a boxed cake mix as the base, you get all the flavor of homemade cookies with none of the hassle. Customize them with chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or candies to make them your own!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Overview
- Cake mix: The foundation of the recipe, it eliminates the need for measuring flour, sugar, and leaveners.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps keep the bars moist.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Mix-ins: Choose your favorites—chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped candy bars.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips, sprinkles, or mix-ins of choice
Directions
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until a thick dough forms. - Add mix-ins
Fold in your chosen mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped candy. - Spread into the pan
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands. - Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy. - Cool and slice
Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20–25 minutes
Total Time
30–35 minutes
Nutrition (per bar, ~20 bars)
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: ~9g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Protein: ~2g
Expert Tips
- Don’t overmix: Stir the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough cookie bars.
- Customize the flavor: Use a chocolate, spice, or funfetti cake mix for a different twist.
- Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your mix-ins are gluten-free as well.
What are some fun mix-in ideas?
Try peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, or even mini marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookie bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter or margarine and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Healthier option: Substitute half the butter with applesauce for a lighter version.
- Festive twist: Add seasonal sprinkles or colored candies to match a holiday or event.
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Easy Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - 9x13-inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- - 1 box yellow or white cake mix 15.25 oz
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 cup chocolate chips sprinkles, or mix-ins of choice
Instructions
- **Preheat the oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- **Mix the dough**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- **Add mix-ins**
- Fold in your chosen mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped candy.
- **Spread into the pan**
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands.
- **Bake**
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy.
- **Cool and slice**
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
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