If you’re craving a sweet, chewy treat that’s quick and easy to make, look no further than these cookie bars! Made with a simple box of yellow cake mix and loaded with chocolate chips, these bars are the perfect balance of soft, rich, and indulgent. Whether you’re looking to whip up a dessert for a family gathering, a party, or a cozy night in, these cookie bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 bag (12 oz) chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: 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 the bars from sticking.
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, which is perfect for chewy cookie bars.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. You can also customize these bars by adding other mix-ins like nuts or M&Ms if you prefer.
Spread the Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or your hands to make sure the surface is level.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and the center will be set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This ensures they set properly and are easy to cut.
Serving Tips:
Serving Size: These cookie bars are easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing. A 9×13-inch baking dish yields about 16 bars, but you can easily adjust the size depending on your preferences.
Warm or Cold: For a comforting treat, serve these cookie bars warm, straight from the oven or after a few minutes of cooling. You can also heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that gooey, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Pairing Ideas: These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea for an extra indulgent treat.
Dress Them Up: For a special touch, top the bars with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps keep them soft and chewy without drying out.
Refrigeration: If you prefer your bars a little firmer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just be sure to let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming.
Freezing: To extend the shelf life, freeze these cookie bars for up to 3 months. Cut them into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Avoid Soggy Bars: Make sure the bars are fully cooled before storing them, as storing them while still warm can cause moisture to collect and make them soggy.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! While this recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can easily substitute it with other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti. Each variation will give the cookie bars a unique twist.
Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add chopped nuts, M&Ms, or even swirl in caramel, peanut butter, or marshmallows. Just make sure to fold them in with the chocolate chips for an even distribution.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
The cookie bars are done when the edges turn golden brown, and the center is set. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy!
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookie bars a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh, or you can refrigerate them for longer storage. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
These cookie bars are a must-try for any dessert lover. With minimal ingredients, simple steps, and the delicious combination of cake mix and chocolate chips, they’re the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Make them today, and enjoy the ultimate cookie bar experience!
📖 Recipe:
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Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cookie bars are soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate chips. Made with yellow cake mix, they come together in just 35 minutes and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or satisfying a sweet craving, these easy-to-make cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the perfect balance of texture and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 bag (12 oz) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, pressing down evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For a variation, try adding chopped nuts or other mix-ins like M&Ms or peanut butter chips.
Be careful not to overbake; the bars should remain soft and chewy in the center.
These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 280 kcal per bar (approximate)
