Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are my go-to when I want something sweet, simple, and absolutely satisfying. There’s something so rewarding about creating a dessert like this that tastes amazing without a lot of fuss. If you’re all about easy, delicious chocolate recipes, this one’s a must-try!
I have a soft spot for desserts that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. These Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars remind me of how baking can be fun, creative, and stress-free all at once! If you love scrumptious desserts like this, you should also check out my Easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, Fresh Peach Pie Bars , Golden Oreo Cake With White Chocolate Ganache, and Carrot Cake Loaf With Cream Cheese Frosting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires only five simple ingredients.
- Quick and easy to prepare, with just 10 minutes of prep time.
- A soft, gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or indulging at home.
- Completely customizable – add your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
Ingredients
- Yellow Cake Mix: The star ingredient here! It’s what makes these cookie bars irresistibly soft, sweet, and full of that nostalgic homemade flavor. This shortcut is a game-changer for turning out treats in no time without sacrificing taste.
- Chocolate Chips: These little gems bring the magic. Whether you go for semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate, they melt into gooey pockets of sweetness in every bite. Feeling fancy? Try mixing in white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
- Eggs: The glue that holds it all together. Eggs provide structure and give the bars that soft, chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Oil: This is the secret to moist, rich cookie bars that never dry out. Vegetable or canola oil works great in this recipe.
- Water: Just a small amount of water brings everything together. It helps the batter come to the perfect consistency – smooth and ready to bake.
Substitutions and Additions
- Different Cake Mix Flavors: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate, vanilla, or even spice cake for a fun twist.
- Mix-Ins: Try adding chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for variety.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra special touch.
Step by Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Stir until smooth and no lumps remain.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
Spread and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the top.
Bake: Bake for 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out just slightly gooey. They won’t quite be 100% finished and will continue to cook once removed from the oven.
Let It Rest: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes before slicing to let them set (otherwise, they may fall apart).
Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the bars and enjoy the decadent chocolate flavor of these delicious cookie bars.
Tips and Notes
- Fold, Don’t Mix: Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Adjust for Smaller Pans: If using an 8×8 or smaller pan, lower the oven temperature to 325°F and extend the bake time slightly.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting the bars cool fully prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.
- Soft Texture: Note that these cookie bars will be a little softer than a traditional chocolate chip cookie. Yum!
Serving Suggestions
- Wine Pairing: Pair these bars with a glass of sweet Riesling or a robust dessert wine for a cozy treat.
- With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack alongside your favorite hot beverage.
- A La Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back their gooey texture.
Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Larger Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups (both liquid and solid)
- Rubber Spatula
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
- Mixer (a hand or stand mixer works just fine)
Ingredients
- 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix 13.25 ounce box or 15.25 ounce box
- 2 Large Eggs
- ½ Cup Vegetable Oil
- ⅓ Cup Water
- ¾ Cup Chocolate Chips + Extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Stir until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
- Spread and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out just slightly gooey.
- Let It Rest: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes before slicing to let them set.
- Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the bars and enjoy the decadent chocolate flavor of these cookie bars
