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This chocolate chip cookie bars recipe has been a family favorite in my kitchen for over 25 years. It starts with a yellow cake mix and comes together with just 5 simple ingredients—no fuss, no chill time, just quick, delicious results. The bars are thick, soft, and loaded with melty chocolate chips in every bite.
I originally published this post in 2019 and have since added new photos and additional information for success.
I’ve made these cookie bars more times than I can count—after school, for sleepovers, or just because. They take less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making them the perfect go-to dessert when time is short but something sweet is a must. I also like making these Toffee Bars and Texas Sheet Cake Cookies to satisfy my sweet tooth quickly.
Now that I have a grandson, I can’t wait to share this recipe with him too. There’s something special about passing down the treats that brought so many smiles to my own kids. Simple, nostalgic, and yummy..this one is a forever favorite, just like my Salted Caramel Butter Bars.
Ingredients Needed
- Yellow Cake Mix: With over 35 Yellow Cake Mix Recipes on my site, you know it is a winner.
- Chocolate Chips: A combination of mini and regular sized chips makes my heart happy but you can use whatever kind of chips you like. White chocolate chips, dark chocolate and even caramel or peanut butter chips would all be great additions.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Try using a different flavor of boxed cake mix. Use a white or vanilla cake mix and get the same amazing results. I’m also thinking that a chocolate cake mix or red velvet cake mix with chocolate chips would be a chef’s kiss!
- Substitute the same amount of melted butter for the vegetable oil in these cake mix cookie bars for a rich flavor.
- There are also other add-ins that you don’t want to miss. Pour a 1/4 cup of sprinkles to the cookie dough before baking. Or add a bag of M&M candies for the best M&Ms Cookie Bars.
How to make Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a Cake Mix
Combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients together using a hand held mixer {or by hand}.
Then add the chocolate chips to the cookie dough and stir them into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
Add the cookie dough to a 9×9 prepared baking dish and spread {or press down} into an even layer.
To prepare the pan, line the 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and use cooking spray.
Bake the easy chocolate chip cookie bars with a yellow cake mix for 25-28 minutes Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
The Secret to the Softest & Chewiest Cookie Bars
The secret to the perfect yellow cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars is to not over bake them. You will know they are ready to remove from the oven when the sides are set and the middle is still a bit jiggly. You will also notice that the edge of the bars has pulled away from the pan.
After they have cooled completely, cut them into 12 even squares and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Storage
Store leftover cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars in a good airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
The cake mix bars can also be frozen in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Do you want more Yellow Cake Mix recipes? Try these…
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below and tag @practicallyhomemade on Pinterest!
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix, {13.25 ounces}
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips, {I used a combination of mini and regular sized}
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °. Prepare a 9×9 baking dish by adding parchment paper to the bottom and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla. Mix together using a hand held mixer {or by hand} until all of the ingredients are incorporated. Add chocolate chips and mix into dough by hand until evenly distributed.
- Pour dough into prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the edges of the bars are pulling away from the pan and the bars are turning golden brown but do not over bake. Remove from oven and let them cool completely before cutting into squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- To feed a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 baking pan.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
