These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are super easy and oh-so-fun! Made with cake mix, they are soft, chewy, and perfect for spring. Plus, they have colorful sprinkles that make them extra festive!
Who doesn’t love a treat that comes together in minutes? I love making these with my kids—they think mixing colors is like magic! 🪄 They’re perfect for sharing at family gatherings or just enjoying at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your cookie bars. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free cake mix. Some people even create their own mix using flour, baking powder, and sugar.
Unsalted Butter: Melting the butter helps with mixing and enhances the cookie texture. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute can work just as well.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a nice richness. You can swap these for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate according to your taste preference.
Pastel M&M Candies: Perfect for Easter! If you can’t find pastel M&Ms, any chocolate candy would do, or you could use chopped nuts for a different crunch.
Vanilla Extract: This adds lovely flavor depth. For a unique twist, consider almond extract instead, but use it sparingly due to its strong flavor.
How Do I Mix Everything Without Overdoing It?
Mixing your ingredients properly is key to achieving the right texture. Aim for a smooth mixture but don’t over-mix, as this can lead to dense cookie bars. Here’s how:
- Start by combining the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until just blended.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing gently to incorporate.
- When folding in the chocolate chips and candies, use a spatula and work in a circular motion to avoid breaking the candies.
Remember, a few lumps are okay! This will help keep your cookie bars soft and chewy.
How to Make Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pastel M&M candies (or any Easter-themed chocolate candies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and festive recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you’ll spend a total of about 45-60 minutes from start to finish. After baking, make sure to let your delicious cookie bars cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into them. Easy-peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Grease it lightly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Add Your Goodies:
Now it’s time to fold in the chocolate chips and pastel M&M candies! Gently mix them into the dough, but save a handful of M&M candies for sprinkling on top later.
4. Spread in the Pan:
Take the dough mixture and pour it into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, giving the top a little smooth finish. Sprinkle the reserved M&M candies on top for that extra festive look!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should be lightly golden! You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go!
6. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy your delightful Easter treat! You can also store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!
Enjoy your delicious and colorful Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with any flavor you prefer, such as chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color of your cookie bars will change based on your choice!
What Can I Use Instead of M&M Candies?
If you don’t have M&M candies, feel free to use other types of chocolate candies, like Reese’s Pieces, or even chopped chocolate bars. For a healthier option, you could use nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Freeze These Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie bars! After cutting them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
