Easter is the perfect time to enjoy colorful, festive treats, and these Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a must-try! They are incredibly easy to make, using a simple box of yellow cake mix as the base. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookie bars are loaded with chocolate chips and pastel Easter M&M’s, making them as delicious as they are beautiful.
If you’re looking for a quick dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, this recipe is for you. Whether you’re hosting an Easter gathering, preparing treats for kids, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are a guaranteed hit. The buttery cake mix gives them a rich, soft bite, while the M&M’s add a delightful crunch and pop of color.
Unlike traditional cookies that require scooping and rolling, this bar recipe is made by simply spreading the dough into a baking dish, making it even more convenient. Plus, the combination of chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolate makes every bite a burst of sweetness.
Serve these bars at Easter brunch, package them in cute treat bags for friends and family, or just enjoy them as a springtime indulgence. They’re easy to customize and can be made in advance, making them a great go-to dessert for any occasion.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12-16 bars
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup Easter M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s until evenly distributed.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently. Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top for decoration.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Variations
- White Chocolate Twist: Swap out regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier taste.
- Peanut Butter Flavor: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough for a rich, nutty flavor. You can also use peanut butter M&M’s for extra indulgence.
- Funfetti Style: Use a funfetti or vanilla cake mix for an even more colorful and festive look.
- Carrot Cake Mix: Try using a carrot cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a fun Easter-themed variation.
Tips
- To ensure a soft texture, avoid overbaking. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- For easier slicing, let the bars cool completely before cutting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer thicker bars, use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
These Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate the season. Whether you’re baking with kids or whipping up a last-minute dessert, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite!
