Are you craving a delicious dessert but short on time? These cookie bars, made with cake mix, are the perfect solution! They're incredibly easy to whip up, require minimal ingredients, and taste unbelievably decadent. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade goodness with these simple yet satisfying cookie bars.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) your favorite cake mix (any flavor works!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts work well)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This is a crucial step for easy removal of your delicious bars later on!
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
Add mix-ins: Stir in your chopped nuts (if using) and chocolate chips. Again, a gentle mix is all you need.
Bake the bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes cutting much easier.
Tips for the Best Cookie Bars:
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookie bars will be dry. Start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the cake mix, the better the cookie bars will taste.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Try adding different types of chocolate chips, dried fruit, sprinkles, or even peanut butter chips for variations.
- Cool completely: Patience is key here! Cutting warm bars will result in messy, crumbly pieces.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Perfection: Use a peanut butter flavored cake mix and add peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.
- Fruity Fun: Incorporate dried cranberries, chopped cherries, or blueberries for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Fudge Swirl: Melt some chocolate and swirl it into the batter before baking for an extra decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, based on a 16-serving pan):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
This recipe offers a fantastic balance of ease and deliciousness, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade treats without the fuss! These cookie bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Let us know how your cookie bars turn out in the comments below! We love to see your creations!