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Box cake mix transforms into fun spring cookie bars that'll brighten up any Easter table. These soft, gooey treats mix the ease of packaged cake with the yummy chew of homemade cookies, packed with bright spring M&Ms and gooey chocolate chips. They come together quickly with just a few ingredients, giving you more time to hang out with family instead of being stuck in the kitchen during the holidays.
The first time I whipped these up was when I had to host Easter dinner and couldn't spend forever making dessert. Everyone from the little ones to the grandparents went crazy for them, teaching me that the quickest recipes often get the biggest smiles. Now they've become our must-have holiday treat that nobody lets me skip.
Key Components
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): Gives these bars their sweet foundation
- 2 large eggs: Holds everything together while adding richness
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps everything moist without changing the taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the yummy flavor throughout
- 1 cup Easter/spring-colored M&Ms: Adds holiday color pops and crunchy chocolate bits
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Creates pockets of melty goodness in every bite
Making Your Bars
- Get Your Baking Dish Ready:
- Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) so it warms up while you make the dough. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray with cooking spray. Don't forget the sides too. This way your bars won't stick when it's time to cut them.
- Create Your Dough:
- Dump the cake mix in a big bowl and add the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir everything until you can't see any dry cake mix. You'll end up with thick, sticky dough – that's exactly what you want for bars that stay chewy. Just mix until everything comes together; too much mixing will make them tough.
- Throw In The Good Stuff:
- Now fold in most of your M&Ms and chocolate chips. Go gentle here – you don't want to crush them. Keep about 2 tablespoons of each aside for the top. Sprinkling some on top makes them look prettier and guarantees chocolate in every bite.
- Bake Them Up:
- Spread the dough into your pan. You might need to wet your fingers a bit to stop the dough from sticking to them. Sprinkle those saved M&Ms and chips on top and press them in slightly. Pop the pan in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges but a middle that's set but still soft. Don't leave them in too long or they'll lose their chewiness.
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My grandma always told me that waiting is the hardest part of baking. The first batch of these bars I made, I couldn't resist cutting them while they were still hot. They tasted amazing but looked like a jumbled mess! When I finally learned to let them cool completely, I got those picture-perfect squares with the best texture. The waiting is tough, but so worth it!
Ways To Enjoy
- Set them out on a pretty plate for your Easter celebration.
- Make them the star of a spring dessert spread with fresh berries and chocolate eggs around them.
- Throw a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra-special treat.
- Cut them smaller and tuck them into Easter baskets as sweet surprises.
Keeping Them Fresh
- After they've cooled down, put them in a sealed container at room temperature and they'll stay good for 4 days.
- If you stack them, put some parchment between layers so they don't stick together.
- Want to save them longer? Wrap each bar in plastic and freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Let frozen bars sit out for about an hour before eating.
Fun Twists To Try
- Party Bars: Switch to funfetti cake mix for extra color throughout your bars.
- For Chocoholics: Go with chocolate cake mix and throw in peanut butter M&Ms instead.
- Berry Delight: Try strawberry cake mix with white chocolate chips for a fruity spring flavor.
- Campfire Feel: Mix in mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits for a s'mores version.
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Every time I bring these Easter cookie bars to spring parties, they vanish faster than anything else on the dessert table. Their real magic is how they bring so much happiness with so little work—you can make something truly special while still having plenty of time to enjoy your holiday with friends and family. Their bright colors and familiar sweet taste win over kids and grown-ups alike, making them the perfect addition to your Easter celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch up the cake mix flavor?
- For sure! While yellow cake mix is classic, go ahead and try chocolate, funfetti, lemon, or even strawberry for a twist. The timing stays the same no matter what flavor you pick.
- → How will I know when these bars are ready?
- Look for edges that are lightly golden and slightly pulling away from the pan. The center might look a bit underdone but firms up as it cools. Stick a toothpick in; if it has some moist crumbs but no wet batter, it’s good to go!
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yep! Bake them 1-2 days in advance. Once they’re cooled, keep them in a sealed container at room temp. If you need longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
- → What can I use if I don’t have Easter M&Ms?
- No problem! Any M&Ms work just fine. Seasonal themes, chopped-up candy bars, or extra chocolate chips are all great substitutes.
- → Why do mine stay so soft in the middle?
- Give them time to fully cool, and they’ll set up nicely. If they’re still too soft even after cooling, pop them in the oven for a few more minutes next time. Oven temps can vary, so it’s normal!