If you’re on the hunt for a festive, utterly delicious dessert that comes together in a flash, the Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe has got you covered. These colorful, chewy bars are packed with holiday-colored chocolate chips and sprinkles that bring pure joy with every bite. Simple ingredients combine effortlessly to create a treat that looks like it took hours to make, yet tastes like a bakery masterpiece. Perfect for holiday parties, last-minute gift ideas, or just because, this recipe delivers all the fun and flavor you want without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each one has a role that guarantees the bars are perfectly soft, festive, and full of flavor with every mouthful.
- Yellow or vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base of these bars, providing sweetness and a tender crumb that’s easy to work with.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Adds richness and keeps the bars moist without making them greasy.
- Large eggs (2): Helps bind the ingredients while lending structure to the final texture.
- Holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms (1 cup): Bursts of festive color and chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For extra creaminess and sweetness that complements the holiday mix-ins.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/3 cup): Adds sparkle and a playful crunch, making these bars irresistibly fun.
How to Make Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a good coat of grease. This ensures the bars won’t stick and are easy to lift out once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your yellow or vanilla cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir everything together until just combined—the dough will be quite thick, showing that it’s ready for the next step. This quick mix keeps things from overworking, which maintains softness.
Step 3: Fold in Festive Mix-Ins
Now, fold in the holiday-colored chocolate chips or M&Ms, white chocolate chips if you’re using them, and the holiday sprinkles. The colors and textures in this step bring the seasonal spirit right into the dough, making it as joyful to look at as it is to eat.
Step 4: Press the Dough Into the Pan
Spread the thick dough evenly into your prepared baking pan and press it down gently to create a smooth, uniform layer. An even distribution helps the bars bake consistently throughout and creates those lovely edges everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your cookie bars for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center is set without being dry. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry the bars out.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is essential because it helps them firm up, making cutting easier and preventing crumbly edges. Once cooled, slice into 20 squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars look stunning on their own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top. Adding a few extra sprinkles right before serving amps up the holiday cheer and makes them extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookie bars alongside a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday coffee blend. The warm drinks complement the sweet, colorful bars beautifully, offering a cozy, comforting pairing perfect for cold winter afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bars into holiday-themed shapes using cookie cutters once they are cool. Wrapping individual bars in festive cellophane with a ribbon makes them excellent gifts for friends and neighbors. You can also stack them on a decorative platter surrounded by pine sprigs or ornaments for a striking holiday centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving that perfect chewy texture you love.
Freezing
You can freeze cut bars by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you want a holiday treat right away.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness that makes this Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow or vanilla cake mix gives a classic taste, you can experiment with funfetti, spice, or even chocolate cake mixes to create unique flavor variations.
Do I need to refrigerate these cookie bars?
Refrigeration isn’t necessary as long as you’ll eat them within a few days. Keeping them at room temperature in an airtight container keeps the bars soft and delicious.
Can I swap the holiday-colored chocolate chips for nuts?
Yes, adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts instead of chocolate chips will give a nice crunch and a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of any allergies when serving.
Is it okay to skip the sprinkles?
Definitely! While sprinkles add festive color and texture, the cookie bars will still be tasty without them. You can substitute with other mix-ins like mini marshmallows or candy pieces.
How do I make these bars more festive for a party?
Add extra toppings such as crushed peppermint, a drizzle of colorful icing, or edible glitter once baked and cooled. Presentation can make all the difference when serving at holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe is a lifesaver for those moments when you want something sweet, satisfying, and festive without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s playful, easy, and bound to become a beloved staple for your seasonal celebrations. Once you try these bars, you’ll wonder how you ever got through the holidays without them!
