Easy Chocolate Cookie Bars with Cake Mix: A Simple Dessert Recipe

Craving a decadent chocolate treat but short on time and ingredients? Look no further than these incredibly easy chocolate cookie bars made with cake mix! This recipe is a game-changer for busy bakers, beginner cooks, or anyone who simply wants a quick and delicious dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these fudgy, chewy, and utterly irresistible cookie bars. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this foolproof recipe that tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Why Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a Baking Game Changer

Let’s face it: sometimes, we don’t have the time or energy to measure out dozens of ingredients and follow complicated baking instructions. That’s where cake mix cookie bars come to the rescue. Using cake mix as a base significantly simplifies the process, eliminating the need for flour, sugar, baking powder, and other dry ingredients. It’s like a baking shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Here are some of the benefits of using cake mix in cookie bars:

* **Speed and Convenience:** Cake mix significantly reduces prep time. You’re essentially skipping several steps in a traditional cookie recipe.
* **Easy to Customize:** Cake mix provides a fantastic base, but you can easily customize it with various mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or even peanut butter cups.
* **Consistent Results:** Cake mix is formulated to deliver consistent results every time, so you don’t have to worry about your cookies turning out flat or dry.
* **Beginner-Friendly:** This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers because it’s virtually foolproof. Even if you’ve never baked before, you can successfully make these cookie bars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **1 box (15-18 ounces) chocolate cake mix:** Any brand of chocolate cake mix will work. You can also experiment with other flavors like devil’s food or red velvet.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted:** Melted butter adds richness and helps create a chewy texture.
* **2 large eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the overall structure of the bars.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
* **1 cup chocolate chips:** Use your favorite type of chocolate chips, such as semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. You can also use a combination of different chocolate chips.

**Optional Mix-Ins:**

* **1/2 cup chopped nuts:** Walnuts, pecans, or almonds are great additions for extra crunch and flavor.
* **1/4 cup sprinkles:** Sprinkles add a festive touch and make the bars more visually appealing.
* **1/2 cup peanut butter chips:** Peanut butter chips complement the chocolate flavor perfectly.
* **1/2 cup chopped candy bars:** Snickers, Reese’s, or M&Ms can be chopped and added to the batter for a fun and indulgent treat.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking pan:** This size pan is ideal for making a standard batch of cookie bars.
* **Mixing bowl:** You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Rubber spatula or wooden spoon:** For mixing the batter.
* **Parchment paper (optional):** Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars after baking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious chocolate cookie bars.

**Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents the bars from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

**Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients**

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

**Step 3: Add Cake Mix**

Add the chocolate cake mix to the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cookie bars. A few streaks of cake mix are okay.

**Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Mix-Ins (Optional)**

Fold in the chocolate chips and any other mix-ins you desire. Gently stir until the chocolate chips and mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 5: Spread Batter into Pan**

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan. The batter will be thick, so you may need to use some elbow grease to get it spread out evenly.

**Step 6: Bake**

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the bars.

**Step 7: Cool and Cut**

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. Cooling allows the bars to set properly and prevents them from crumbling when you cut them. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can lift the bars out of the pan using the overhang. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size.

## Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Cookie Bars

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Melted Butter:** Melted butter provides a richer flavor and chewier texture compared to softened butter.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked cookie bars will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
* **Add a Glaze:** For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle the cooled bars with a simple chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate and a little bit of milk or cream.
* **Storage:** Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap the bars individually or in small batches in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookie bars will last for up to 2-3 months.

## Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Different Cake Mix Flavors:** Experiment with different cake mix flavors like devil’s food, red velvet, yellow cake, or even funfetti. Each flavor will create a unique and delicious cookie bar.
* **Different Chocolate Chips:** Use different types of chocolate chips like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
* **Nuts and Seeds:** Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts for extra crunch and flavor. You can also add seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
* **Dried Fruit:** Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a chewy and flavorful addition.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to enhance the flavor of the cookie bars.
* **Frosting and Glaze:** Top the cooled cookie bars with your favorite frosting or glaze. Chocolate frosting, vanilla frosting, or cream cheese frosting are all great options. You can also drizzle the bars with a simple chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate and a little bit of milk or cream.
* **Vegan Cookie Bars:** To make vegan cookie bars, use a vegan chocolate cake mix, vegan butter substitute, and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Make sure to check the ingredients of your chocolate chips to ensure they are vegan as well.
* **Gluten-Free Cookie Bars:** To make gluten-free cookie bars, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Many brands offer gluten-free cake mixes that work well in this recipe.

## Serving Suggestions

These chocolate cookie bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a snack:** Enjoy a cookie bar with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a satisfying snack.
* **As a dessert:** Serve the cookie bars as a dessert after dinner. You can top them with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
* **At a party or potluck:** Bring a batch of cookie bars to your next party or potluck. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
* **As a gift:** Package the cookie bars in a cute box or tin and give them as a gift to friends, family, or neighbors.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use a different size pan?** While a 9×13 inch pan is recommended, you can use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker bars or a larger pan for thinner bars. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Can I use oil instead of butter?** Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of butter. However, butter provides a richer flavor and chewier texture.
* **Can I freeze these cookie bars?** Yes, these cookie bars freeze well. Wrap them individually or in small batches in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookie bars will last for up to 2-3 months.
* **Why are my cookie bars dry?** Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cookie bars. Make sure to bake them until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
* **Why are my cookie bars too soft?** Underbaking can result in cookie bars that are too soft. Make sure to bake them until they are set and the edges are golden brown.
* **Can I add frosting to these bars?** Absolutely! Frosting elevates the cookie bars to another level. Use your favorite buttercream, ganache, or cream cheese frosting. Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting.

## Enjoy Your Easy Chocolate Cookie Bars!

These easy chocolate cookie bars with cake mix are a perfect treat for any occasion. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookie bars. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy these wonderfully simple and customizable treats. Happy baking!