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If you’ve ever wished for the perfect treat that combines the ease of a cake mix with the timeless charm of classic cookies, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars are soft yet chewy, packed with melty chocolate chips, and come together in a flash—making them an absolute game-changer for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, these bars hit the sweet spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Each one adds a special touch to the texture, flavor, or overall appeal of the bars, making them irresistible bites of bliss.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a buttery, tender base that keeps these bars soft and moist.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients while giving a slight golden color.
- Large eggs: Create structure and add moisture for a perfect chewy consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
- Chocolate chips (12 oz): The star ingredient delivering pockets of gooey, melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper so your cookie bars won’t stick and come out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, uniform batter that holds promise of sweet deliciousness to come.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly spread throughout. This step guarantees that every square of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe has that perfect balance of rich chocolate.
Step 4: Spread the Batter
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and press it down evenly. This helps create consistent thickness for each bar and ensures even baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center is fully set. This timing is just right to maintain softness while ensuring the bars hold together beautifully.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. This cooling step helps the bars firm up so you get clean edges and the perfect texture every time.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These cookie bars are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to accentuate the chocolate’s sweetness. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar also adds delightful flair for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a luscious dessert experience. A cold glass of milk or warm coffee perfectly complements the rich flavors and enhances the overall indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them buffet-style at a party for easy snacking. You can also sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two bars to make a decadent ice cream sandwich that will wow friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy while preserving their incredible flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some bars for later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or stored bars warm, simply microwave a piece for about 15 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Warming revives the melty chocolate and makes the bars taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix works wonderfully for this recipe, you can experiment with vanilla or even spice cake mix for a twist. Just keep in mind that different mixes may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries! Greasing your baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray works just as well to prevent sticking.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while shredded coconut or dried fruit can bring interesting textures and flavors to the bars.
How thick should the bars be before baking?
The batter should be spread evenly throughout the 9×13-inch pan, resulting in bars about half an inch thick. This thickness ensures that the bars bake evenly and stay soft yet firm.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe as written uses a standard yellow cake mix, which typically contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a cake mix specifically labeled gluten-free and verify that your other ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a batch of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe fresh from the oven. They offer the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and nostalgia, making them a go-to favorite in any kitchen. From the quick prep to the irresistible chocolate chips in every bite, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close by. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become your new dessert obsession!
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Chocolate Chip 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
Delicious and easy-to-make cookie bars combining the convenience of yellow cake mix with rich chocolate chips. These bars are perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet snack, featuring a soft and chewy texture with a golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
Main 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until smooth and well incorporated to form the cookie bar batter.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold the chocolate chips into the batter until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, adding sweetness and texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure it is smooth and level.
- Bake: Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy this delicious treat!
Notes
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before cutting to maintain clean edges.
- For a nutty variation, add chopped nuts along with the chocolate chips.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
