If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings festive cheer and irresistible flavor all rolled into one, the Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookie bars are a magical blend of soft, cakey texture with the perfect pop of colorful holiday chips and sprinkles. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity—using a cake mix as the base, you’ll create a batch of bars that are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your go-to for something sweet and festive every season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each element plays a role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive appearance that will impress everyone.
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix: The base that gives these bars a soft, cakey texture with a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind all the ingredients together, ensuring a perfect bar consistency.
- 1 cup holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms: The star of the show, bringing colorful bursts of chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): For extra sweet creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the cake base.
- 1/3 cup holiday sprinkles: Adds festive flair and a bit of crunch that makes these bars irresistible.
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). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to make sure your cookie bars come out neatly without sticking. This step sets the stage for baking success and an easy cleanup!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your yellow or vanilla cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir these together until everything is well incorporated; the dough will look thick and a bit sticky. This simple mixture is the foundation of your cookie bars and what gives them such an awesome tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Your Festive Mix-ins
Fold in the holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms, white chocolate chips if you’re using them, and those joyful holiday sprinkles. These mix-ins not only make the bars festive but also add delightful texture and color that everyone will love. Be gentle as you fold so they stay evenly distributed without breaking.
Step 4: Spread and Press the Dough
Transfer your dough to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Press it down gently so it bakes up nice and uniform in thickness. This ensures every bar is perfectly soft and chewy with just the right amount of crisp edges.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center feels set but still soft to the touch. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake — the softness is what makes these bars so special.
Step 6: Cool Completely and Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is super important because it helps them firm up so you can cut neat squares without crumbling. Grab a sharp knife and slice into about 20 generous servings to share the holiday joy!
How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe, try garnishing with a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate, or sprinkle extra festive sprinkles right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch that’s perfect for the season. These little details make your bars look as amazing as they taste!
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or freshly brewed coffee for a comforting holiday snack. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, arrange the cookie bars on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins or greenery like pine sprigs. You can even stack them in a decorative tin or gift box for a charming homemade gift. Presentation makes your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe even more special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later celebrations, wrap the cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that soft, warm just-baked feel, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This quick step makes your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe taste like they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow or vanilla cake mix is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with funfetti, spice, or even chocolate cake mix for a unique twist on your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe.
What if I don’t have holiday-colored chocolate chips?
No worries! Regular chocolate chips or any colorful candy pieces you have on hand work just as well. You can also substitute with nuts or dried fruit for a different texture and flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Using a gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix will keep the recipe gluten-free. Just double-check the mix-ins are also gluten-free if that’s a dietary concern.
How can I make these bars more festive?
Add more sprinkles or drizzle melted candy coating on top. You can also customize the mix-ins to match any holiday theme, such as red and green M&Ms for Christmas or pastel chips for Easter.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
There’s no need to refrigerate these bars as long as you’ll eat them within a few days. Just keep them covered at room temperature to maintain their soft texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and joyful about making and sharing this Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe with people you love. It’s quick to make, fun to customize, and bursting with festive colors and flavors. Give it a try and watch your holiday gatherings get a little sweeter, one bar at a time!
Print
Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
Description
These Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a festive, easy-to-make treat perfect for any celebration. Made with a simple yellow or vanilla cake mix, melted butter, and eggs, these bars are packed with colorful holiday chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles for a fun and flavorful bite. They bake quickly and can be enjoyed by the whole family!
Ingredients
Base 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.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow or vanilla cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and large eggs. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the dough forms a thick consistency.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in the holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms, white chocolate chips if using, and the holiday sprinkles to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Press into pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly to ensure a uniform thickness for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set without being wet or jiggly.
- Cool and cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper if used, and cut into 20 bars for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute holiday-colored chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips or your favorite candy pieces.
- White chocolate chips are optional but add a nice sweetness and texture contrast.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
