If you’re looking for a festive and irresistibly easy treat, this Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These vibrant cookie bars combine the moist, tender crumb of cake with the fun, colorful bursts of holiday chocolate chips and sprinkles, making them perfect for any seasonal gathering. The best part? You only need a few pantry staples and minimal effort to whip these up, so anyone can bring a smile to their table in no time with this delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect texture and festive look of these cookie bars. Each element plays a role, from the buttery richness to the sweet crunch and splash of color that make holiday baking magical.
- Yellow or vanilla cake mix: The base of the bars, providing a soft and cakey texture that’s both tender and sturdy.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the bars hold together beautifully.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything and add structure to the dough.
- Holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms: Bring bursts of chocolate and festive color that make these bars merry and bright.
- White chocolate chips (optional): Add a sweet, creamy contrast to the other chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Holiday sprinkles: Provide that cheerful crunch and instantly festive touch that’s perfect for the season.
How to Make Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by warming up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Preparing your 9×13-inch baking pan is crucial — line it with parchment paper for easy removal or grease it well to prevent sticking. This small prep step ensures your cookie bars come out clean and perfect every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Combine the yellow or vanilla cake mix with the melted butter and eggs in a large bowl. Stir thoroughly until smooth — the dough will be thick and rich, which means you’re on the right track. This simple combination lays the foundation for those soft, chewy bars that everyone will love.
Step 3: Fold in the Festive Mix-ins
Gently fold in your holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms, white chocolate chips if you’re using them, and the holiday sprinkles. These little bursts of color and flavor will make each bite a surprise, turning an ordinary treat into something special and seasonally joyful.
Step 4: Press the Dough Into Your Pan
Spread the thick dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly so it bakes evenly and gives you those beautifully uniform bars that look just as great as they taste.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set center — the perfect indication that your cookie bars are ready. The aroma filling your kitchen will be downright irresistible!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan; this step helps them firm up so they cut cleanly without crumbling. Once cool, slice into generous bars, perfect for sharing with family and friends or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of holiday sparkle, sprinkle some additional festive sprinkles or powdered sugar on top just before serving. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can also elevate these bars from simple to show-stopping, making them a gorgeous centerpiece for your dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their sweet, cakey texture. A hot cup of coffee, cocoa, or mulled cider is the perfect cozy companion, creating a warm and inviting holiday treat pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbon for delightful holiday party favors. Stack them on a decorative platter interspersed with fresh cranberries or holly leaves to bring a bit of seasonal greenery. You can also serve them in a layered trifle with whipped cream and berries for a fun twist everyone will talk about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to four days, making for a convenient sweet treat anytime you want a quick nibble.
Freezing
If you want to stash some bars for later, freeze sliced bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture well for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For a just-baked feel, warm your cookie bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. The gentle heat refreshes their softness and melty chocolate chips, making every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use any flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
While yellow or vanilla cake mix is recommended for the best texture and color, you can experiment with spice or butter pecan cake mixes to match different holiday themes. Just keep in mind the mix-ins should complement the flavor.
Do I have to use holiday-colored chocolate chips?
Not at all! You can use regular chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or any festive candies you like. The colored chips add a fun, seasonal touch but feel free to customize based on what you have.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, if you find a gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix, this recipe will work perfectly. Just check that the mix-ins you choose are also gluten-free to keep things safe for anyone with sensitivities.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Greasing your pan generously with butter or non-stick spray will work fine. Just be gentle when removing the bars to avoid any sticking or breakage.
What is the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Letting the bars cool completely is key. You can also chill them for a little while to firm them up. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the neatest slices.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about the simplicity and charm of the Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand year after year because it brings festive fun with minimal fuss — perfect for busy days and eager gatherings alike. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to these colorful, sweet, and utterly addictive bars that shout holiday cheer in every bite.
Print
Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a festive and easy-to-make treat perfect for celebrating the season. Made with a simple cake mix base and colorful holiday-themed chocolate chips and sprinkles, these bars combine the soft comforting texture of cake with the indulgent flavor of cookies. Ready in just over half an hour, they are great for holiday parties, dessert tables, or gifting.
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 well to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the yellow or vanilla cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until fully combined. The resulting dough will be thick and dense.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in the holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms, white chocolate chips if using, and holiday sprinkles evenly throughout the dough.
- Press into pan: Spread and press the thick dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure the surface is smooth and the mixture is compacted.
- 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 but still soft.
- Cool & cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 20 bars for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute M&Ms with any other holiday-themed candies if desired.
- For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free butter substitute and check cake mix ingredients.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Optional white chocolate chips add extra sweetness but can be omitted based on preference.
