Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (any brand)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted, about 1 stick)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- 1 bag chocolate chips (about 1 to 1.5 cups, semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once the batter is mixed.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter (make sure it’s not too hot), eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Cake Mix:
- Add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The batter will be quite thick, which is normal for cookie bars!
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
- Add the chocolate chips and fold them into the batter. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed, but don’t overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
- Spread the Batter in the Pan:
- Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to evenly press the batter into the pan, making sure it reaches all corners. The thickness can make it a bit tricky to spread, but take your time to make an even layer.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter. The edges should be golden brown, and the center may look slightly underdone; this will set as it cools.
- Cool Completely:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting. This cooling time helps them firm up, making them easier to slice and ensuring the perfect texture.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once cool, cut into bars or squares. You can cut them into 12 larger bars or 24 smaller squares, depending on your preference.
Tips:
- Add Extra Mix-Ins: You can add other mix-ins, like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels, for a twist.
- Make Them Extra Chewy: If you like a chewier bar, you can underbake them slightly, checking for doneness at around 18-20 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
These cookie bars are quick, versatile, and sure to be a hit! Perfect for a last-minute dessert, bake sale, or snack. Enjoy!