If you’re a fan of sweet treats that are both simple to make and irresistibly delicious, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine soft, buttery bars bursting with melty chocolate chips, baked to golden perfection using just a handful of pantry staples. This recipe is a game-changer for busy days or sudden cookie cravings, offering a rich, tender texture with a subtle vanilla note that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color we all love. From the buttery richness to the sweet, chewy chocolate bits, every component contributes to the magic of this dessert.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of the bars, delivering a soft and cakey crumb that’s easy to work with.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup): Adds a rich, moist texture and helps the bars hold together beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the mixture and add structure to the bars, ensuring they’re perfectly tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the overall flavor.
- Chocolate chips (12 oz bag): The star of the show—gooey pockets of chocolate that melt delightfully in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This prep ensures your bars release easily and bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform. This step is where the magic starts—watch as simple ingredients blend into a luscious base for your cookie bars.
Step 3: Incorporate the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout. This ensures every bite is bursting with chocolate, making the dessert truly irresistible.
Step 4: Spread the Batter Evenly
Press the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This guarantees uniform thickness so the bars bake consistently and look picture perfect.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center is fully set. Keep an eye on them; your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. Cooling is key to clean cuts and perfect bar texture, ready to be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars shine on their own, but feel free to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast. You can also dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of your favorite hot beverage for a comforting dessert experience. Fresh berries can provide a light and refreshing counterbalance to the richness as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares for serving at parties or stack them on a decorative plate with a sprig of mint for added color. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper makes for an adorable, homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This keeps them soft and moist, ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully and can be kept for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat briefly in a low-temperature oven. This brings back that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives a classic flavor, you can experiment with vanilla, butter, or even spice cake mixes to add your personal twist to the bars.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Since this recipe uses boxed cake mix, it’s generally not gluten-free. However, if you find a gluten-free yellow cake mix, it could work perfectly as a substitute.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even peanut butter chips. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips to customize your bars.
How thick should the batter be spread?
Spread the batter evenly to about 1-inch thickness across the pan for best results—it ensures even baking and a perfect chewy texture.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without them crumbling?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting, and use a sharp knife for clean edges. Wiping the knife clean between cuts also helps maintain neat bars.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe has quickly become a trusty favorite because it’s so simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself after a long day, these cookie bars deliver comforting sweetness in every bite. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how a few basic ingredients can come together into something truly unforgettable.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy-to-make cookie bars combine the convenience of yellow cake mix with rich chocolate chips for a delightful treat. Perfectly soft and chewy with a golden-brown crust, they are ideal for casual snacking or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 bag (12 oz) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and well blended.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold the 12 oz bag of chocolate chips into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Spread batter in pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently for a uniform thickness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown and the center should be set but still moist.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy this delicious treat!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or cinnamon to the batter.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits if desired.
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars from the pan.
