When the holidays roll around, there’s something truly magical about sweet treats that fill the kitchen with warmth, laughter, and irresistible aromas. These Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are exactly that kind of magic soft, chewy, colorful, and downright festive. They come together with just a few ingredients (yes, including cake mix!), and the result? A holiday dessert that feels like a warm hug.

These bars are perfect for cookie swaps, potlucks, or a spontaneous baking session with the kids. No mixers, no complicated steps just pure joy in dessert form. Trust me, once you take one bite, you’ll wonder how something this easy tastes this good.

Why You’ll Love Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can use any cake mix flavor, any add-ins, and decorate it to match any holiday. Think of it as your canvas for cookie art.

Budget-Friendly: Minimal ingredients, all easy to find and totally affordable.

Quick and Easy: No need to cream butter or chill dough just mix and bake!

Customizable: Add sprinkles, swap the chocolate chips, or go wild with nuts. It’s all up to you.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Here’s the magic of this treat it’s made with simple, festive ingredients that come together into something truly irresistible. Let’s break it down:

Boxed Cake Mix (Yellow or White): The shortcut hero of this recipe. It brings that sweet, buttery base and soft cookie texture.

Eggs: These help bind everything together and give the bars their classic chewiness.

Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars moist and rich without making them greasy.

Holiday M\&Ms or Sprinkles: The sparkle of the season! Adds crunch, color, and holiday cheer in every bite.

White or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate goodness in every square.

Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds that homemade aroma and depth of flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract (if using) until a thick dough forms. Stir in the M\&Ms and chocolate chips get festive with it!

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Make sure your baking dish is greased or lined. This helps the bars come out cleanly and makes cleanup super easy.

Assemble the Dish: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. It’ll be thick, so use clean hands or a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Cook to Perfection: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Finishing Touches: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. They’ll set up as they cool, making them easier to cut.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve! Add a little dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch if you’d like.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 24 bars
Calories per serving: 190

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve alongside a mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha.
• Plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Wrap individually for party favors or holiday gifts.
• Stack and tie with ribbon for a super cute dessert tower on your holiday table.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• For thicker bars, use a smaller pan (like 9×9) and increase baking time slightly.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
• Swap in different colored candies for other holidays (pastels for Easter, red/white/blue for July 4th, etc.).
• Add chopped nuts or crushed pretzels for extra crunch.
• Use a flavored cake mix like red velvet or spice for a festive twist.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• You can freeze them too wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Don’t overbake pull them out when the edges are golden but the center still looks soft.
• If you want a gooey center, slightly underbake by 2 minutes.
• Double the recipe for parties just use two pans or a sheet pan.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use any cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Yellow, white, red velvet, or even chocolate cake mix work great.

2. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them a day in advance and store in an airtight container.

3. How do I keep the bars soft?
Keep them covered at room temperature. You can also place a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist.

4. Can I freeze cookie bars?
Definitely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free too.

6. What oil should I use?
Vegetable or canola oil both work well. Avoid strongly flavored oils like olive oil.

7. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, melted butter works, but it may change the texture slightly making the bars a bit firmer.

8. How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges will look golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

9. Can I use a mixer?
No need! This recipe is easy to mix by hand save yourself the cleanup.

10. How do I add extra holiday flair?
Try holiday-themed sprinkles, peppermint chips, or a drizzle of white chocolate over the top!

Conclusion

Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the no-fuss, all-fun treat that brings the joy of the season to your kitchen without the stress. Whether you’re baking with kids, whipping up something last-minute, or just craving something sweet and festive, these bars deliver every time. They’re soft, chewy, colorful, and totally customizable what’s not to love? Go ahead and make a batch (or two)… these are too good not to share.

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