Name: Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces); 5 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 large eggs at room temperature; 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

If you’ve been searching for a sweet treat that’s as effortless as it is delicious, this is it! The Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe combines all the crowd-pleasing comfort of a chocolate chip cookie with the soft, tender crumb of a cake — and the best part is, you only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up a batch. It’s rich and gooey, with puddles of melted chocolate in every single bite, and comes together in less than 10 minutes of prep. Whether you make it for a bake sale, potluck, or late-night craving, you’re sure to fall in love with this irresistible dessert.

Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe a game-changer is the short and simple ingredient list — nothing fancy or hard to find. Each one plays a role, bringing its own unique flavor, moisture, or texture to the Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe.

Yellow cake mix: Instantly delivers that classic cakey sweetness and perfect chewy base for the bars, with zero hassle.
Melted butter: Adds richness, moisture, and a buttery depth that makes every bite utterly irresistible.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients together for a tender, cohesive batter and help the bars rise beautifully.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star add-in—melting into pools of chocolate that make these bars completely crave-worthy.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s good and hot when your bars are ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bars come out perfectly, with golden, crisp edges and no sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and room temperature eggs. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended; you’re looking for a thick, cohesive dough. The cake mix does all the heavy lifting here, keeping things quick and simple—no need for extra flour or leavening!

Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Once your base batter is ready, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Don’t overmix; just give it a few quick turns until the chocolate chips are evenly scattered throughout the dough. Every bite will be packed with melty chocolate!

Step 4: Spread and Smooth the Dough

Scoop the dough into your prepared baking pan. Because the batter is thick, use a spatula or clean hands to gently press and spread it evenly, making sure it reaches every corner for bars that bake up uniform and beautiful.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and just golden brown around the edges. The center should look slightly soft and glossy; it will set as the bars cool, staying perfectly chewy and rich.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Let the pan cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This step makes slicing easier and keeps those glorious chocolate chips from melting into a puddle. Cut into bars, serve, and get ready for the compliments to start rolling in!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate these cookie bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving brings out the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle, sophisticated twist.

Side Dishes

Pair these indulgent bars with a glass of cold milk or a strong cup of coffee for the ultimate snack. They also shine alongside a simple fruit salad or fresh berries, which add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress these bars up for a party by cutting them into fun shapes with cookie cutters or stacking them in a decorative jar for gifting. Sandwich a layer of softened ice cream between two bars for an unforgettable frozen treat, or crumble them over yogurt or ice cream sundaes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want that out-of-the-oven gooeyness, reheat individual squares for just a few seconds in the microwave before serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange bars in a single layer (with parchment between each layer to prevent sticking) in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave before enjoying.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked texture, microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds, or warm several on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back the chocolate’s meltiness and makes the bars extra inviting.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can customize your Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe with white, chocolate, or even funfetti cake mix for a totally different twist without changing the process.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Try folding in chopped nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or almonds), shredded coconut, or even toffee bits for a bit of crunch and extra flavor dimension.

Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, swap in any chocolate chips you love. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter bite, while dark chocolate amps up the richness. You can also use a mix for the ultimate Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe experience.

My bars turned out dry — what went wrong?

Be careful not to overbake; pull them from the oven when they’re just set, as they continue to bake a little in the pan. Also, double-check your ingredient amounts, especially the butter, to maintain that perfect chewiness.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely—just use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture and taste stay just as fabulous as the classic Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about this Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe: it’s sweet, chewy, and incredibly easy to make. If you need a dessert that never fails to impress (without a lot of fuss), you’ve just found your new go-to. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy sharing every irresistible bite with the people you love most!