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Transform your baking – without breaking a sweat – with this mouthwatering dessert bar cookie recipe using a box of cake mix! With a rich, buttery flavor and soft, chewy texture, these cake mix cookie bars pack a delightful melt-in-your-mouth taste. Plus, this recipe is endlessly customizable – experiment with different box mix flavors and baking chips to create YOUR perfect treat. Best of all, you’ll need just 6 ingredients to make ’em!

“I used M&M’s and chocolate chunks to make monster cookie bars and they were SO GOOD! I will be making these again!”

– DAN
Overhead photo of twelve box cake cookie bars with chocolate chips on a parchment lined serving board.

Update: This recipe was originally published in April 2022. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making cookie bars from a box of cake mix at home. 

Hi, friends! I hope you are a lover of all things cookie-related, because today I’m sharing the recipe for the best cake mix cookie bars in all the land. These yummy white cake mix bars feature all the same goodness found in traditional chocolate chip cookies, just super-sized into bar form! If you are planning a celebration or simply want to have sweet treats on hand for when the sugar craving strikes, these cake bars fit the bill.

If you have boxes of cake mixes sitting in your pantry (like me!), this is the perfect time to take them out and make a delicious cookie treat! So, grab your apron and let’s start baking!

Table of Contents

About these cake mix dessert bars

This simple cookie bar recipe is made of white cake (or any cake mix!) along with instant pudding mix, eggs, vanilla extract, and oil. These easy cookie bars feature a super tender, soft and chewy texture that just melts in your mouth like butter! Made with plenty of gooey, melty chocolate baking chips and a generous sprinkling of flaky sea salt, these chocolate chip cookie bars are irresistibly delicious!

And (because it gets better!), these cookie cake bars are so incredibly simple to make at home! You only need 5 basic ingredients and there’s no need for chilling the cookie dough or rolling the dough into individual cookies!

So, if you are looking for a lazy cookie recipe that’s just as easy as it is irresistibly delicious, then these cookie cake bars are for you!

If you’re a lover of bar desserts like me, be sure to try these favorites next: Orange Bars Recipe and Blueberry Lemon Bars Recipe.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • 5 simple ingredients! You need just 5 easy-to-find ingredients along with 2 pantry staples (water and oil) to make the best bar cookies from cake mix.
  • So easy to make! Making cookie cake bars at home is as easy as 1, 2, 3 – simply mix the ingredients, add to a baking dish and bake.
  • Fool-proof cookie recipe! Making a cookie bar cake is so much easier than making cookies – there’s no chilling the dough, no rolling cookie dough balls and cake mix cookie bars don’t spread.
  • Basic kitchen gear! There’s no fancy kitchen equipment needed for this easy cookie recipe.
  • Ultra soft and tender! Using a box of cake mix and a box of pudding mix creates chocolate chip bars that are delightfully soft, chewy and tender. If you love those giant cookie cakes at the mall, you’re going to LOVE this bar dessert!
  • Customizable! This of this recipe as more of a guide to creating YOUR perfect bar recipe! Follow the recipe as is or get creative. Try adding in a teaspoon of espresso powder for chocolate chip bars that wow. Or use white chocolate chips, crushed white Oreo’s, and sprinkles to create next level funfetti bars! This is your cookie bar adventure.
  • Perfect portable size! Who doesn’t love a portable, indulgent chocolate chip treat!?
  • Any occasion! These bars are a hit with EVERYONE! And, no one ever believes these cookies bars are from cake mix. Since these soft and chewy cookie bars are easy to transport, they’re perfect for special occasions, such as birthday parties, bridal showers, bake sales, potlucks and more. However, they’re easy enough to make for after school and late night snacking.
Overhead photo boxed cake mix, two large eggs, oil, vanilla extract, pudding mix, and chocolate chips neatly arranged into bowls on a kitchen counter.

This bar dessert recipe requires just a handful of pantry ingredients, such as a box of cake mix and pudding mix! Below are all the ingredients you need to make this cookie bar recipe! (Scroll down for variations!)

  • Cake Mix: You need one (15.25-ounce) box of cake mix for this recipe. For classic chocolate chip cookie bars, I recommend using white cake mix; however you can use yellow cake mix. Or you can use any flavor cake mix you love and get creative! (See below for yummy cookie bar flavors and variations!)
  • Pudding Mix: Adding one 3.4-ounce box of instant pudding mix (the powder only), gives these bar cookies from cake mix a homemade, buttery taste and deliciously extra soft and chewy texture! You can use any flavor of pudding you like – just make sure it’s instant!
  • Water: 1/4 cup of water helps make the cookie batter wet enough for chemical magic to happen in the dough!
    • Substitution: For more flavor you can substitute milk!
  • Oil: 3/4 cup of vegetable oil adds moisture and creates rich tasting cake bars!
  • Eggs: Two large eggs bind all the ingredients together and help provide structure.
  • Extract: I recommend use vanilla extract for chocolate chips bars; but, you can use any flavor extract you love! Use pure extract (versus artificial) for the best flavor.
  • Baking Chips: You can use your favorite baking chips, morsels and chunks in these easy cake mix cookie bars. Anything from dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips and white chocolate chips, to butterscotch chips, funfetti chips, and more!

Recipe variations

From classic chocolate chip to rich dark chocolate and festive Christmas candy cane cookie bars, the sky’s the limit when it comes to yummy cookie bar cake flavors. Below are a few delicious cake mix cookie variations to inspire

13 flavor variations

  1. Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookie Bars. Fold chocolate baking chips into the batter for classic, gooey chocolate chip cookie bars. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips, or even a mix of different types for extra indulgent flavor.
  2. Double Chocolate Cookie Bars. Double up on the chocolatey goodness by using a chocolate cake mix instead.
  3. Funfetti Cookie Bars. Swap the white cake mix and use colorful funfetti mix instead. You can mix some white chocolate chips and sprinkles to make it fun for a children’s party.
  4. Peanut Butter Dessert Bars. Add creamy peanut butter to the batter for a nutty flavor. And, you can also swirl in additional peanut butter or top with crushed peanuts for added texture and a delicious PB twist.
  5. Cookie Bars with M&Ms. Customize your bar dessert to match the holiday by using colorful M&M candies.
  6. Mint Chocolate Bars Cookies. Mix in mint chocolate chips or chopped mint chocolate candies for a refreshing minty flavor.
  7. Caramel Swirl Cake Box Cookie Bars. Swirl salted caramel sauce or caramel bits into the cookie batter for a decadently rich treat.
  8. White Chocolate Cranberry Cake Mix Bar Cookies. Combine white chocolate chips with dried cranberries for a festive and tart flavor combination perfect for holiday gathering.
  9. Red Velvet with White Chocolate. Use red velvet cake mix to create beautifully colored cookie dessert bars. Add white chocolate chips or a cream cheese swirl for that classic red velvet cake flavor.
  10. S’mores Box Cake Cookie Bars. Mix in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers, and top with a layer of chocolate chips. Then bake until the marshmallows are golden and gooey for a reinvented campfire classic.
  11. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Mix Dessert Bars. Stir some lemon zest and poppy seeds into the batter for a tangy twist. 
  12. Oreo Cake Mix Cookie Bars: Fold in crushed Oreo cookies for a cookies-and-cream flavor. 
  13. Apple Cinnamon Cake Mix Cookie Bar: Incorporate diced apples and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon into the cookie cake batter for comforting fall flavor.
Close-up overhead cookie bars made with cake mix, chocolate chips, and flakey sea salt.
  1. Preheat oven and Prep Pan. Preheat your oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit. Then grease an 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl with a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer, combine the wet ingredients on medium speed until combined.
  3. Add the dry ingredients. To the bowl, add the cake mix and pudding mix. Then, beat the mixture on low until the batter is almost combined and thick.
  4. Add the mix-ins. For chocolate chip cookie bars, add in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips along with 1/2 cup of chocolate chunks, and fold to combine.
  5. Add cookie dough to the baking pan. Pour the batter into the baking dish and use a rubber spatula to spread and smooth the cookie batter. Then, sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and chunks evenly over the top of the cookie bar dough.
  6. Bake the cake mix dessert bars. For soft and chewy cookie bars, bake for 24-28 minutes, or until edges are golden.
  7. Cool the cake mix bars. Let the cookie bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Serve cookie cake mix bars. If you used parchment paper, gently lift the whole cookie cake up and out of the pan. Then slice the cake mix cookie cake into bars, serve, and enjoy!

Expert tips for the best success!

  • Line the pan. I recommend lining your cake pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift the cookie out of the pan, as an entire cookie cake. Your parchment paper should be a few inches longer than the baking dish so there is some paper hanging over the sides.  
  • Don’t over-mix. Do not over-mix the cake mix cookie dough, or your cookie bars will turn out tough and dry. Just mix until no large dry spots are visible. A few small lumps are fine. 
  • Press dough. The dough will be sticky, so grease your spatula with a bit of oil when spreading, pressing and smoothing it into the cake pan. 
  • Cake pan. This recipe uses a 9x13x2-inch rectangular cake pan. It is important to remember that the cooking time will vary if you use a different size baking dish or cake pan. This will affect how thin or thick your bars are going to be. So, make sure that you adjust your baking time accordingly. 
  • Cool cookie bars. Unless you want a molten cake, do not remove the cookie bar from the baking pan right away! It will still be soft and pliant right out the oven. Let it cool for 30 minutes if you like ultra-soft cookies or for 1+ hours to room temperature for soft and chewy cookie bars.
  • Perfect cookie cake bars. For sliceable cookie bars with clean cuts, transfer the pan to the refrigerator after 1 hour. Let the cookie “cake” chill for 2 hours before slicing and serving! 

FAQs: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

Do I need to use a particular cake mix brand?

No, you don’t. You can use your favoring brand to make these Cake Mix Cookie Bars. 

Do I need to add eggs and oil to the cake mix for bar cookies?

Yes. You will need to add eggs and oil to this cake mix dessert, just as you would when baking a cake. Most cookie bar recipes will call for these ingredients to ensure the bars have the right texture and consistency. 

How can I make sure my cake mix bar cookies are chewy and not dry?

To ensure your cookie bars are chewy and not dry, make sure you properly measure the flour and avoid over-baking them. Use a large spoon to scoop the flour from the container into the measuring cup. And, remove the bars from the oven when the edges are set and lightly browned, even if the center appears slightly undercooked. The bars will continue to cook and firm up as they cool.

Can I make cake mix bars gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free cake and instant pudding mix, you can enjoy these cookie bars free of gluten. 

Can I use a block of chocolate instead?

Absolutely! If you do not have chocolate chips, you can use any chocolate bar or block and simply chop them into chunks or smaller pieces. 

What can I add to my cake mix cookies bars to make them more interesting?

You can easily customize your cake mix cookie bars with a variety of cookie mix-ins and toppings. Popular additions include chocolate baking chips, crushed nuts, dried fruit, or pieces of candy bars. For an extra flavor boost, consider swirling in caramel sauce or smooth peanut butter, or sprinkling the top of the bars with flakey sea salt before baking.

Scroll up for 13 different flavor variations of cookie bars you can make with this simple cookie cake mix bars recipe.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, you can! Homemade cookie doughs can be frozen for at least three months. Just make sure to keep it tightly wrapped in freezer bags. Then, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. 

Close-up overhead photo showcasing the soft center of a cookie bar made using cake mix.

There are three different ways to serve this easy cake mix bars recipe: Warm, fresh from the oven as a molten cake; as a whole soft and chewy cookie cake; or slice and serve as chocolate chip cookie bars!

  • Warm from the oven: Some taste testers prefer this recipe still warm, while the chocolate chips are still gooey and the cookie cake is ultra-soft and buttery! It can get messy, so this serving option is best for those who don’t mind a bit of chocolatey mess! Let the cake mix cookie cake cool slightly, about 5 minutes, before enjoying straight from the pan. To make it even more special, I recommend topping your warm white cake mix cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollops of cool whip! Cookie bar al a mode, anyone?
  • Giant Cookie Cake: To serve as a lazy cookie cake or cookie pizza (like the famous cookie cakes at the mall!), make sure you line the cake pan with parchment paper. Let the dessert cool completely in the pan before lifting up on the parchment paper to remove the cake. Decorate with your favorite color of buttercream frosting, slice into squares and enjoy!
  • Cookie Bars: For lazy cookie bars, follow the instructions above – lining the pan with parchment and removing the cookie cake bars from the pan. Cut the whole cookie cake into bars by dividing it into 8 rows by 6 rows, then serve! Prefer a cold cookie treat on a hot summer day? Store your cake mix dessert bars in the refrigerator.

Common Serving Suggestions

  • Warm from the Oven: Enjoy your cake mix dessert straight out of the oven for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for a classic dessert combination. If you’re looking for a healthier option, swap the ice cream for whipped greek yogurt.
  • With a Glass of Milk or Hot Chocolate: Pair these dessert cookie bars with a cold glass of milk or a steamy cup of hot dark cocoa or hot white cocoa to enhance the creamy texture.
  • As a Dessert Platter: Cut the cake box cookie bars into squares and arrange them on a platter for easy sharing at gatherings, parties, or potlucks. Serve them with sugar cookie martinis for an effortless, crowd-pleasing adult treat.
  • With a Drizzle of Chocolate: Drizzle microwave chocolate sauce or caramel over the cooled cake mix dessert bars for an extra layer of delicious indulgence.
  • Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the top of the box cake cookie bars with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.

Unique Serving Suggestions

Close-up photo six dessert bar cookies made from a box of cake mix.

Storing leftovers

Cake mix chocolate chip bars store and freeze beautifully. Because of their cake mix and pudding base, these bars stay tender, soft and chewy for days.

  • Cool First: Allow the dessert bars to cool completely before transferring them to a storage container. Placing warm desserts in sealed containers while still warm will produce moisture that will affect the texture of the bars. It can also lead to early spoilage, which isn’t good.
  • Room Temperature: Store your cookie bars using cake mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent them from becoming dry or stale.
  • Layering: If you need to stack the bar cookies, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers to avoid sticking and to keep them looking fresh.
  • Storage tips: If you make various flavors of cake mix bars, make sure you store the different flavors separately. And, to keep these cookie cake mix bars soft and chewy, add a slice of bread to the container.
  • Storing in the refrigerator: If you prefer a chilled cookie, you can store homemade bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing instructions

  • Cool First: Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature.
  • Cut and Wrap: Cut the cookie dessert into bars or squars and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before storing in an airtight container or freezer-safe storage bags.
  • Storing in the freezer: Cake mix bars will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Thawing: To thaw your cookie bars, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. Alternatively, for quicker results you can microwave an individual bar for 10 to 15 seconds, or until warm throughout.

Reheating instructions

Nothing beats a slightly warm from the oven, soft and chewy cookie bar! Good news – with a little proper reheating, you can get those leftover bar cookies to taste just as good! The important tip to remember: you are just rewarming them, not baking them again!

  • Preheat oven to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit (Depending upon if your oven runs hot or cold). Arrange the cookie bars in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Reheat in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until just warm and chewy. Enjoy!
Overhead close-up photo a cake mix bar cookie with chocolate chips and sea salt.

This cake mix cookie bars recipe is seriously good, it should come with a deliciousness warning! Enjoy every chocolate chip bar that you can, or create your own delicious flavor, and don’t forget to share!

Cheyanne

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More easy cake mix recipes!

Are you looking for more super delicious, yet super simple cake mix desserts? Try these easy recipes next:

Overhead photo of twelve cake mix cookie bars on a parchment paper lined serving tray.

Cake Mix Bar Cookies

5 from 3 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 48 Cookie Bars
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Transform your baking – without breaking a sweat – with this mouthwatering dessert bar recipe using a box of cake mix! With a rich, buttery flavor and soft, chewy texture, these cake mix cookie bars pack a delightful melt-in-your-mouth taste. Plus, this recipe is endlessly customizable – experiment with different box mix flavors and baking chips to create YOUR perfect treat.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Sheet Cake Pan (9x13x2-inch Baking Dish)
  • 1 Stand Mixer OR Large Bowl with a Hand-Held Mixer
  • 1 Rubber Spatula

Ingredients 

  • 2 Large Eggs – at room temperature
  • ¾ Cup Vegetable Oil
  • ¼ Cup Water (Substitute: milk)
  • 1 ½ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) Box White Cake Mix (Substitute: Any Cake Mix Flavor)
  • 1 (3.4-ounce) Box Instant Pudding Mix – powder mix only!
  • ¾ Cup Semi Chocolate Chips – DIVIDED (6 ounces total) (substitute: your favorite baking morsels!)
  • 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips – DIVIDED (8 ounces) (or your favorite mix-ins!)
  • OPTIONAL to taste Sanding Sugar or Sprinkles

Instructions

  • Preheat oven and Grease Pan: Arrange the oven rack to the center position and then preheat your oven to 350-degrees F. Grease a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray and then set the pan aside.
    (Note: Line the greased pan with parchment paper if you want to be able to lift the cookie bars out of the pan as one whole cookie cake!)
  • Mix the Wet Ingredients Together: In a large bowl with a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer, combine the water, oil, eggs, and extract. Beat on medium until well combined.
  • Add in the Dry Ingredients: Add the cake mix and pudding mix to the bowl. Beat on LOW until almost combined.
    (Tip: Don't over-beat the cookie dough, the batter should be thick!)
  • Add Dessert Mix-Ins: Add ½ cup of semi chocolate and ¾ cup of the dark chocolate. Gently fold until just combined.
    (Tip: Simply swap out the chocolate for your favorite flavor of baking morsels, chopped candy, etc. to create your own custom dessert bars!)
  • Add Cookie Dough to Prepared Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread and smooth the batter.
    Add Remaining Baking Chips: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter.
    (Tip: If using, sprinkles or sanding sugar, generously dust the top of the cookie cake now, before baking!)
  • Bake Cake Mix Cookie Bars: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 24-28 minutes, or just until the edges are golden in color. (SEE NOTES)
  • Cool Dessert Bars: Remove the baking pan from the oven and place on a wire rack. Let the cookie bars cool for at least 30 minutes (for ultra-soft cookie bars) or for 1+ hours to room temperature (for regular soft and chewy cookie bars).
  • Refrigerate – OPTIONAL: If you want to slice your cookie cake into clean bars, I recommend chilling the cookie cake! After the cookie cake has cooled on the counter for 1 hour, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and continue to chill for 2 hours before slicing.
  • Serve Cake Mix Dessert Bars: If you used parchment paper to line your baking pan, use your hands to grab on the side of the paper and gently lift the cookie cake up and out of the pan.
    Serve whole as a large cookie cake decorated with icing. Or slice and serve as bars! For 48 cookie bars, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make Your Own! You can easily customize this recipe by using your favorite flavor of boxed cake mix along with your favorite extract, pudding mix and cookie mix-ins, such as flavored baking morsels, sprinkles, M&Ms, caramels, crushed Oreo’s and more! If you are looking for inspiration, I’ve included a bunch of cookie bar flavor ideas in the post above! (Make sure you use INSTANT pudding mix!)
  • Extracts: If using a different stronger flavor extract, such as lemon or peppermint, you may want to reduce the amount to ¾-1 teaspoon.
  • Baking Time: For ultra-soft and moist cookie bars (ooey-gooey in texture), bake for 24-26 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes, depending how soft you want them!
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 48 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcal    Carbohydrates: 4g    Protein: 1g    Fat: 6g    Saturated Fat: 2g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g    Monounsaturated Fat: 1g    Trans Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 7mg    Sodium: 7mg    Potassium: 42mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 2g    Vitamin A: 12IU    Vitamin C: 1mg    Calcium: 14mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American

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