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These box mix Easter cookie bars turn an ordinary cake package into a bright spring sweet that's just right for holiday parties. They're soft yet chewy treats that mix the ease of boxed cake with the yummy feel of cookies, packed with bright spring-colored M&Ms and smooth chocolate chunks. These need just a few simple items and quick prep, so you'll have more time to hang out with family instead of being stuck cooking all day.
I whipped these bars up the first time when I was in charge of Easter dinner and couldn't spend forever making dessert. Seeing how happy both the kids and grown-ups were with something so quick showed me that the easiest recipes often get the biggest smiles. Now everyone asks for these bars every holiday, and they've become our can't-skip tradition.
Key Components
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): Creates the foundation with just the right amount of sweetness
- 2 large eggs: Add thickness and give the bars that cookie-like feel
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps everything moist and soft without any extra taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall taste experience
- 1 cup Easter/spring-colored M&Ms: Bring holiday colors and crunchy chocolate bits
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Create pockets of melty chocolate throughout
How To Make Them
- Get The Pan Ready:
- Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) so it gets hot while you work on the mix. Spray some cooking oil all over a 9×13 inch baking dish, getting the bottom and sides good. This way the bars won't stick and you can cut them easily later.
- Throw The Batter Together:
- Grab a big bowl and dump in the cake mix, crack in the eggs, pour in the oil and vanilla. Stir everything until it's all mixed up with no dry spots left. The dough will feel pretty thick and sticky—that's exactly what makes these bars so chewy. Just mix until it comes together, don't go crazy or they'll turn out tough.
- Toss In The Goodies:
- Carefully stir in those colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips so they spread out in the dough. Keep a small handful (about 2 tablespoons) of each to scatter on top. This makes the bars look prettier and means you'll get candy and chocolate in every single bite.
- Cook Them Up:
- Use a spatula or slightly wet fingers to push the dough flat in your baking dish. Sprinkle those extra M&Ms and chips you saved on top, pressing them down just a bit. Stick the pan in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges look light gold and the middle seems set but still a little soft. Don't leave them in too long or they won't stay chewy.
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My grandma always told me that waiting is a baker's best trick. The first time I made these bars, I couldn't help cutting into them while they were still warm, and ended up with a tasty but messy pile. Letting them cool completely made all the difference—they sliced into perfect squares with just the right texture. Sometimes the toughest part of baking isn't the mixing or measuring, but keeping your hands off until it's time!
Ways To Enjoy
- Put them on a pretty plate for Easter gatherings at room temperature.
- Make a spring treat board with these as the main attraction, surrounded by fresh berries and chocolate eggs.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a fancier dessert option.
- Slice them smaller and tuck them into Easter baskets as treats.
Keeping Them Fresh
- Once they've cooled down completely, keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- If you stack them, put some parchment paper between layers so they don't stick together.
- To save them longer, wrap each bar in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Let frozen bars sit out for about an hour before eating.
Fun Twists To Try
- Funfetti Bars: Swap yellow cake for funfetti mix to get colorful sprinkles inside.
- Chocolate Lovers: Go with chocolate cake mix and throw in peanut butter M&Ms for a richer taste.
- Strawberry Dream: Try strawberry cake mix with white chocolate chips for a spring feel.
- S'mores Bars: Mix in mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits for a campfire flavor.
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I've taken these Easter cookie bars to so many spring parties, and they're always gone in no time. What really makes them special is how they bring so much happiness without taking much work—you can make something everyone loves while still having plenty of time to enjoy the holiday with your people. Their bright colors and familiar taste make both kids and adults happy, so they fit right in at any Easter celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I pick another cake mix flavor?
- Sure thing! Yellow cake is classic, but try funfetti, chocolate, strawberry, or lemon for a twist. The bake time stays the same no matter the flavor.
- → How can I tell when the bars are cooked?
- The edges will look golden and start separating from the pan. The center might seem a bit soft, but it’ll set while cooling. A toothpick should come out clean with some crumbs, not batter.
- → Can I prep these bars ahead?
- Definitely! You can make them a day or two early. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container at room temp. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
- → What can I use if I don’t have Easter M&Ms?
- Feel free to swap them with holiday-themed M&Ms, regular ones, or even bits of candy bars. For an everyday look, try rainbow M&Ms or just extra chocolate chips.
- → Why are my cookie bars so soft in the middle?
- They’ll firm up as they cool down. Wait until they’re completely set before slicing. If they’re still too gooey, bake them a little longer next time. Ovens can vary slightly!