Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies from a Cake Mix

Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies - everything you love in a cookie, only baked in a pan. Soft chewy bar cookies that start out with a box of vanilla cake mix. Let me share with you another one of my favorite Cake Mix Hacks that will help you bake something sweet in minutes!

This recipe for Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies is very similar to the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars that you might like if you have a peanut butter lover in your life! Both recipes are two of my husband's favorites.

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.
 
I did a lot of baking when my son, Michael, was in school.  Michael always seemed to be offering my "services" when he was in school and I really didn't mind. I actually miss having to bake and cook for the weekly football dinners that the parents were in charge of every Thursday night. 

Not to mention the baked goods we needed to supply the snack stand with for the Friday night games or bake sales. If you find yourself baking for your school events, make sure you check out all the recipes in my Easy Cookie Recipes section.

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. 

Which is better for baking glass or metal?

For this recipe, I used a glass baking dish, but you can use a metal or aluminum baking pan. If you are using a baking pan, which is usually metal, you'll need to reduce the baking temperature by 25 degrees.

You should also check the bar cookies often as they may be ready ten minutes earlier than if you were using a glass baking dish. Glass baking dishes do not heat up as quickly as a metal baking pan. 

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Affiliate Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, click here.

• Glass Baking Dish
• Rubber Spatula - really helps you spread out the raw cookie dough.
• Serrated Knife - works best when slicing bar cookies. Even a plastic knife works!

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

Make sure you print out the recipe below and save it for later!

• 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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Combine the Cake Mix and Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the water and egg. Then add the yellow cake mix and combine well. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts; if using.

Step 2: How to Line a Baking Pan with Parchment Paper

For awhile now I’ve been using them to line baking sheets when I bake bar cookies, brownies or even loaf pans! 

I find that using clips or even old clothespins helps to keep the parchment paper in place while you’re filling a baking dish or even a loaf pan with the batter. 

Step 3: Baking Instructions

Pour the bar cookie mixture into a 9 X 13 size pan that has been lined with parchment baking sheets or 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.

Sometime the easier the recipe is, the more yummier it tastes! Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies start off with a cake mix and are so delicious!

Tried any of my recipes? Let me know in the comments!

More Easy Cake Mix Dessert Recipes: 

• Chocolate Sugar Cookies 
• Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
• Four Different Cake Mix Cookie Recipes 
• Chocolate Chunk Muffins
• Favorite Dessert Recipes

More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information

 

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!