Name: Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup holiday chocolate candies (like red and green M&Ms); ½ cup white chocolate chips; ½ cup sprinkles (holiday-themed)

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If your holiday sweet tooth calls for something colorful, quick, and guaranteed to make the whole room smile, these Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the answer! Imagine all the chewy, festive fun of cookies, but in one easy-to-slice batch and topped with the happiest holiday mix-ins you can find. This recipe is a family favorite in my home when December hits (and, I’ll be honest, sometimes in July with pastel candies) because it’s outrageously easy, customizable for any celebration, and every bite bursts with buttery cake and crunchy, chocolate-studded goodness. Whether you’re making treats for a party, wrapping up edible gifts, or just bringing a little sparkle to your weekday, this is the dessert to mark the season.

Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It truly doesn’t get simpler than this lineup of classic, hardworking ingredients, but each one does its part to create cookie bars that are soft, golden, and bright with holiday cheer. Savor how every element adds to the unique taste, tender texture, and merry appearance.

Cake mix (yellow or vanilla, 15.25 oz): The shortcut hero for fuss-free, perfectly sweet bars every time – no measuring flour or sugar needed!
Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and that irresistible, classic cookie taste while keeping the bars tender.
Eggs (2 large): Help bind everything together and give the bars structure and chew.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm background note that tastes like pure holiday nostalgia.
Holiday chocolate candies (1 cup): Use red and green M&Ms or your favorite festive mix for pops of color and crunchy chocolate in every bite.
White chocolate chips (½ cup): Creamy, sweet, and pretty – they melt into the dough for lovely pockets of flavor.
Holiday-themed sprinkles (½ cup): These are your final flourish, making every piece sparkle with seasonal magic!

How to Make Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy lifting or lightly grease it if you prefer. This little bit of prep will guarantee the Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars come out in tidy squares and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Grab a sturdy spoon or spatula and stir until everything comes together into a thick, sticky dough. There’s something so satisfying about how quickly this dough forms without any fancy equipment.

Step 3: Fold in the Goodies

Now comes the colorful part! Gently fold in your holiday chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and all those cheerful sprinkles. A gentle hand is best here, so you don’t crush the candy, and every corner of the dough gets a joyful burst of mix-ins.

Step 4: Spread the Dough

Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Press it evenly into the dish, taking care to nudge it all the way to the edges and corners. It’ll be thick, but that’s how you’ll get those perfect, chewy cookie bars once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top is just turning golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell like a holiday bakery, and the bars will be firming up but still delightfully soft inside.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan – patience is key here! Once cooled, lift out the whole slab (if using parchment) or gently slice into 24 bars. Each square will showcase those gorgeous festive goodies.

How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For an extra festive flourish, dust your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted white chocolate, or add more sparkly sprinkles right before serving. It’s a little touch that makes them even more party-ready!

Side Dishes

If you’re making a cookie tray, consider pairing these bars with classic gingerbread men, chocolate crinkle cookies, or peppermint bark for a spread that captures all the best flavors of the holiday. A glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even mulled cider would be perfect alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable holiday gifts, or stack them on a platter between layers of colorful wax paper for a bake sale or potluck. They also make wonderful party favors nestled into festive treat boxes with a handwritten note.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, place any leftover Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their chewy texture and fresh flavor for up to four days – if you can resist them that long!

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer with parchment between each row in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are best enjoyed within three months for maximum flavor and texture.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie experience, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds straight from room temperature or 20–25 seconds from frozen. The chocolate will just barely melt and the bar will taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While yellow or vanilla cake mix gives a buttery, classic flavor, feel free to try chocolate, spice, or even red velvet cake mix for a different spin. Each swap adds a new twist to the classic Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For even neater slices, chill the slab in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars.

Can I customize the candies and sprinkles for other holidays?

Yes! Switch up the colors and types of candies or sprinkles for any occasion – think pink and red for Valentine’s, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween. That’s the magic of Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars – they’re festive anytime.

Can I make them gluten free?

Yes, simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free cake mix. Double-check that your mix-ins like candies and chips are gluten free too, and your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars will be just as delicious.

Why did my bars turn out dry?

If the bars are a little on the dry side, they may have baked too long. Bake just until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Extra mix-ins and a swift baking time ensure perfect, chewy results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you try these Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars and make as many memories baking and sharing them as I have with my own family. They’re pure joy in a pan, perfect for busy days and special occasions alike. Whip up a batch and watch them disappear!

Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars that are easy to whip up and perfect for any celebration. These bars are a colorful and delicious treat that will brighten up any holiday party or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup holiday chocolate candies (like red and green M&Ms)
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup sprinkles (holiday-themed)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick dough forms.
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
Bake: Spread the dough in the baking dish and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden.
Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing into squares.