If you’re craving a delightful treat that brings together the ease of a box cake mix and the irresistible charm of chocolate chips, this Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These bars are deliciously soft in the middle with just the right amount of golden crisp at the edges, making them perfect for an easy dessert or snack. They whip up in no time but taste like you spent hours baking, making them a real crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients come together here to create something truly special. Each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect texture, sweetness, and melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes these bars so addictive.
- Yellow cake mix: The base that ensures a tender crumb, delivering classic cake flavor with minimal effort.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible crispy edge.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Chocolate chips: The star ingredient that adds gooey pockets of chocolate throughout every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking right from the start. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and well blended. This simple mix comes together quickly, but is the foundation for your soft and flavorful bars.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This step is where the magic starts to happen as those chips will melt slightly while baking and create those delightful chocolatey pockets.
Step 4: Spread the Batter in the Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands. This ensures uniform thickness and helps those edges caramelize beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking that the edges turn a nice golden brown and the center has set without being overly dry. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is pure comfort food bliss.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares. Cooling is key here for clean cuts and bars that hold their shape. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of indulgence, dust these bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also create a delightful sweet-salty contrast that takes each bite to the next level.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookie bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet heavenly dessert. A fresh berry compote makes a bright and tangy counterpoint if you’re looking for something fruity.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting these bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a party or lunchbox surprise. You can also stack smaller squares between layers of ice cream for impromptu dessert sandwiches that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft while preserving the crisp edges, so every bite remains just as perfect as the day you baked them.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookie bars last up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a sweet snack.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked taste, warm your cookie bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This melts the chocolate chips slightly and refreshes the soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic here, you can try vanilla, chocolate, or even funfetti mixes for unique variations. Just keep in mind that flavors will shift depending on your choice.
Do I need to chill the batter before baking?
No chilling is necessary for this recipe. The batter can go straight into the pan and bake immediately, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
You can, but butter adds flavor and helps create those wonderfully crisp edges that oil might not. If you prefer oil, opt for a mild-flavored one and expect a slightly softer texture.
How can I make these bars less sweet?
Consider using a cake mix labeled as “low sugar” or reduce the amount of chocolate chips slightly. Pairing the bars with tart fruit can also help balance sweetness.
Are these cookie bars gluten-free?
The recipe uses a boxed cake mix, which typically contains gluten. To make gluten-free bars, use a gluten-free cake mix and verify your chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is a total game changer for quick, tasty baking that feels homemade and special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy treat with your coffee, these bars bring so much joy with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be a staple in your recipe box for good! Give it a go and watch how fast they disappear.
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
Delicious and easy-to-make cookie bars combining the convenience of yellow cake mix with rich chocolate chips, baked to golden perfection for a soft, chewy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz chocolate chips (1 bag)
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 cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Prepare to Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down lightly to create a uniform layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake the bars by a couple of minutes.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried fruits for variation.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
