Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Easy & Delicious
Looking for a dessert that’s rich, chewy, and unbelievably easy to make? These cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars are the ultimate shortcut treat! By using a boxed cake mix, you can create soft, gooey cookie bars packed with chocolate chips in just minutes. Perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dessert, these bars strike the perfect balance between a cookie and a brownie.
The best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples, and the result is bakery-style cookie bars without the fuss. Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (270 g)
Optional Add-ins: ½ cup chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or M&M’s.
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Cake Mix – Stir in the dry cake mix until a thick dough forms. (It will be slightly sticky—this is normal!)
- Fold in Chocolate Chips – Gently mix in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread & Bake – Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top but slightly soft in the center.
- Cool & Slice – Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving Size: 12 bars
Tips & Variations
- Extra Gooey Bars: Underbake by 2 minutes for softer, fudgier bars.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swap half the butter with creamy peanut butter.
- Festive Fun: Add colorful M&M’s for holidays or parties.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Double Chocolate: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a brownie-like base.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Sugar: Use a sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in a gluten-free cake mix.
- Lower Fat: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- Keto-Friendly: Use a keto cake mix and sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
These cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars are perfect for every occasion—school lunches, potlucks, or an after-dinner dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat, or pack them in lunchboxes for an on-the-go snack.
Quick, customizable, and oh-so-delicious, this recipe proves that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be crowd-pleasing.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Try chocolate, funfetti, or spice cake mix for unique flavors.
Q2: How do I store cookie bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
Q3: Can I make these cookie bars without butter?
Yes, vegetable oil or coconut oil works, but butter gives the richest flavor.
Q4: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is required—just mix, spread, and bake!
Q5: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish (or two pans).
