This Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is your new go-to treat when you want something festive, quick, and absolutely delicious. Imagine buttery, cake-like cookie bars bursting with holiday-colored chocolate chips and sprinkles that brighten every bite. It’s the perfect blend of soft, chewy texture and joyful colors, making these bars a standout for any seasonal gathering or cozy night in. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly simple, making holiday baking stress-free and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a vital role in making your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe irresistible. From the buttery richness to the bursts of chocolate and festive sprinkles, every element brings something special to the mix.
- Yellow or vanilla cake mix: The base that provides that soft, cakey texture and subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the bars stay tender.
- Large eggs: Helps bind everything together while giving structure to the bars.
- Holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms: Sprinkles of festive color and melty chocolate in every bite.
- White chocolate chips (optional): An extra layer of creamy sweetness for chocolate lovers.
- Holiday sprinkles: For that cheerful crunch and eye-catching festivity on top.
How to Make Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well to ensure your bars don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the yellow or vanilla cake mix with the melted butter and eggs. Stir until everything is just blended together—the dough will be wonderfully thick, making it easy to handle.
Step 3: Fold in the Festive Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the holiday-colored chocolate chips, white chocolate chips if you’re using them, and the holiday sprinkles. This step is where your bars turn from simple to spectacular with bursts of color and pockets of flavor.
Step 4: Press the Dough into the Pan
Evenly spread and press the cookie dough into your prepared pan. Don’t be shy about pressing firmly so the bars hold together beautifully once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should turn a lovely golden brown, and the center should be set but still soft to the touch.
Step 6: Cool and Cut into Bars
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them firm up and makes for cleaner, prettier cuts when you slice them into generous portions for serving.
How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For added flair, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These little touches can make your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe feel even more festive and elegant.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or even a festive eggnog. Their sweet, colorful nature also complements simple fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party, or stack them on a pretty platter surrounded by holiday greenery and ornaments. Wrapping individual bars in cellophane with a ribbon makes for adorable edible gifts everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This makes them a great make-ahead snack or dessert to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to three months, letting you enjoy their festive goodness any time.
Reheating
To enjoy your bars warm, simply let them thaw at room temperature if frozen, then heat briefly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back that soft, melty texture like they’re freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow or vanilla is classic, feel free to experiment with funfetti, spice, or even chocolate cake mix to tailor the bars to your holiday mood.
What if I don’t have holiday-colored chocolate chips?
No worries! You can substitute regular chocolate chips or any candy-coated chocolates you have on hand. The flavor is what truly counts, and the festive look is a bonus.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free cake mix, this recipe becomes gluten-free as well. Just double-check all your additional mix-ins to ensure they’re gluten-free.
How thick should the bars be before baking?
Press the dough so it is evenly spread in the 9×13-inch pan, usually about 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures they bake through but stay soft and chewy.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even shredded coconut make excellent additions and add texture and flavor contrast to these cookie bars.
Final Thoughts
The Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is such a wonderful, effortless way to bring cheer to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a festive treat just for yourself, these bars deliver on both flavor and fun. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe every holiday season!
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Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in festive sweetness with these Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars, combining the ease of a boxed cake mix with colorful chocolate chips and sprinkles for a perfect celebratory treat. These bars are simple to make, with a tender, cakey texture and vibrant holiday flair, ideal for parties and gifting during the season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Mix-ins
- 1 cup holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/3 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yellow or vanilla cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and two large eggs until fully combined to form a thick dough.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms, white chocolate chips if using, and holiday sprinkles to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Spread and press the thick dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it fills the corners and is level on top for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for serving. This cooling step helps the bars firm up for clean slices.
Notes
- For a festive look, use holiday-themed colored chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Using parchment paper helps in easy removal and clean slicing.
- Ensure the bars cool fully to prevent crumbling when cutting.
- Feel free to swap yellow or vanilla cake mix with other flavors for variety.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
