These Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies deliver all the joy of a classic chocolate chip cookie in an irresistible, easy-to-bake format.
Imagine soft, chewy bars packed with melty chocolate chips, all starting with a simple box of vanilla cake mix. It's the perfect recipe for satisfying your cookie cravings with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Let me share with you another one of my favorite Cake Mix Hacks that will help you bake something sweet in minutes!
Forget scooping individual cookies! This recipe offers a fun and easy twist on a classic treat.
Using a box of vanilla cake mix as the base, you can create a pan full of soft, chewy, and irresistible cookie bars that are perfect for sharing.
And the best part? You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chunks, or sprinkles!
Looking for more easy dessert recipes? Try my Candy Cookie Bars, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars, and even my M&M Cookie Bars.
Table of Contents
Cake Mix Cookie Bars
I always try to stock up on cake mixes when they're on sale at our local grocery store. Every now and then I can purchase 10 boxes for $10.00. This is an other one of my favorite 10 Essential Pantry Items to always keep on hand.
My son, Michael, kept me busy with school baking requests during his school years! From football game snacks to endless bake sales, there was always something to bake.
That's why I created this collection of Easy Cookie Recipes. These tried-and-true recipes are perfect for busy parents and anyone who wants to bake delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips for Baking Perfect Bar Cookies
Did you know that any cookie recipe that yields 36 to 42 cookies will make perfect bars when baked in a 13x9-inch baking dish/pan? Here are a few tips when baking bar cookies so they come out perfect every time.
- Always line the baking dish/pan with parchment paper to help you lift the baked cookie bar out of the baking dish/pan.
- Sometimes spreading the cooking dough mixture can be difficult. Spray the back of a rubber spatula with non-stick cooking spray to help.
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars to see if they are done. You'll know if they're done if the toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cookies cool completely before slicing.
- Using a plastic or serrated knife will give you clean slices.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Reynolds Kitchens Cookie Baking Sheets,More Information6-Piece Nonstick Oven Bakeware BakingMore InformationFreezer-to-Oven Safe 3 Qt GlassMore InformationNon-Stick 9 x 13-Inch PanMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Water
- Egg
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Chocolate chips
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Swap out milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips. Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookie bars.
- Serve the cookie bars warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: With the mixer running, add the water and egg, and mix until combined.
Step 3: Add the yellow cake mix and mix until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Baking Instructions
Step 4: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Spread the cookie dough into the prepared pan.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting.
Before You Begin!
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Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Metal bakeware heats quickly and browns evenly, making it ideal for cookies and cakes, while glass is better for casseroles and dishes needing even heat distribution without browning. Choose the material that best suits your recipe!
To avoid thick and dry cake mix bar cookies, make sure to use the correct ratio of cake mix to wet ingredients, don't overbake, and be mindful of your oven temperature. If your bars still turn out dry, try a different cake mix or add a touch more moisture to the dough.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Room Temperature: Leftover bar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or wax paper. This will help to prevent them from sticking together and drying out.
Thaw and Reheat: Allow the bar cookies to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. A fun tip is to reheat them in the microwave for a 10-15 seconds to warm up the chocolate chips!
More Recipes to Love
Check out my other recipe for M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies. Or you might like this recipe for Sugar Cookie Bars or Nutella Bar Cookies.
📖 Recipe Card
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Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies from a Cake Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the water and egg.
- Add the yellow cake mix and combine well.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts; if using.
- Pour mixture into a 9 X 13 size pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before cutting in serving pieces.
Notes
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2013 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
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Karen says
We are renting in FL and there is no mixer here! Can I just stir the cake mix by hand?
Lois says
Of course!!! Hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather in Florida and the recipe. Thank you for visiting.
Joyce says
Will it make a difference if I use white cake mix instead? I’ve never cared for yellow cake.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
I love how it starts out with a box of cake mix. Makes it so much easier to bake these without all of the extra fuss. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty Pinned!
Julie Briones says
So happy to see you at Tuesdy Turn About! Hope to see you each week! These bars look amazing, and I love easy recipes from cake mixes!
Joanne says
I have made cookies from a boxed cake mix but for some reason I never thought to make cookie bars;; which are always so much easier. These look delicious! Pinned.
Janice House says
What was the tip for getting perfect slices everytime?
Lois says
Here's the tip: Using a plastic or serrated knife will give you clean slices. Let me know if it works for you! Thanks for visiting.
Amy says
I made these and they are amazing. Really easy one bowl prep and mere minutes to get in the oven. Super rich, perfect with a glass of milk.
Lois says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe! Always love to read comments like this.
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I'd love to have one of these bars with a tall glass of milk. YUM! It's so great that you start out with yellow cake mix. So easy!
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies says
Lovely to have a recipe that is so quick to put together - looks delicious xx
Lois says
Thank you Maria! Thanks for visiting too.
deb says
What butter is best? Which ones should I stay away from as the percentage doesn't work?
Lois says
I'm not sure I understand your question. I use regular salted butter in all my baking. Let me know if you need more help! Thanks for visiting.
mickeydownunder says
G'day! Never had one of these Lois, true!
I could go for one right now too!
Cheers! Joanne
Beth says
What a great idea!
Swathi Iyer says
I like the idea of baking cookies from cake mix very delicious and easy to put together though.