Introduction
Celebrate the joy of Easter with these delightful Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars! Bursting with colors and flavors, these cookie bars are not only incredibly easy to make but also perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday festivities. The vibrant pastel hues and sweet chocolate chips create a fun and festive treat that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, an egg hunt, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cookie bars are a must-try. Let’s dive into this simple and scrumptious recipe that will make your Easter celebrations even sweeter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookie bars come together in a flash.
- Colorful and Fun: The vibrant colors and festive sprinkles make these bars visually appealing and perfect for the holiday.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite candies or chocolate chips for a personalized touch.
- Soft and Chewy: These bars have a deliciously soft and chewy texture that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share them with friends, family, or at potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients List
- ✔️ 🔹 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or yellow cake mix
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- ✔️ 🔹 2 large eggs
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate, white chocolate, or semi-sweet)
- ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup pastel M&M’s or Easter-themed candies
- ✔️ 🔹 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional, for extra fun)
- ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well blended. If using, add the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
3. Add Mix-Ins
- Fold in Chocolates and Candies: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, pastel M&M’s, and sprinkles (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Spread in Pan
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Slice
- Let Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut into Bars: Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Pro Tip: For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate or icing over the top before serving!
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Cake Mixes: Use chocolate, strawberry, or lemon cake mix for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze individual bars in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use a different size baking pan?
Yes! If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. If using a larger pan, they will be thinner and may bake faster.
What if I don’t have M&M’s?
You can substitute M&M’s with chocolate chips, chopped candies, or any other favorite mix-ins like dried fruit or coconut flakes.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookie bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy treat that will brighten up your holiday celebrations. With their colorful appearance and delicious flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Happy baking and enjoy your Easter festivities! 🐣🍪🌼
Print
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Celebrate the season with these festive Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars! Easy to make with a cake mix, these cookie bars are loaded with colorful Easter candies and topped with a sweet frosting. Perfect for spring gatherings, potlucks, or as a fun dessert for the family!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
- 1 cup Easter-themed candies (e.g., M&M’s, Cadbury Mini Eggs, or jelly beans)
- For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring (for pastel colors)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Cookie Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Easter candies, reserving some for topping if desired.
- Spread in Pan: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle any reserved candies on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired to create pastel shades.
- Frost the Bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars!
Notes
- Additional Tips: Feel free to customize the mix-ins based on your preferences. You can also add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
- Storage: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the un-frosted cookie bars for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
