Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies - everything you love in a cookie, only baked in a pan. Soft chewy bar cookies that start out with a box of vanilla cake mix.
Let me share with you another one of my favorite Cake Mix Hacks that will help you bake something sweet in minutes!
This recipe for Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies is very similar to the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars that you might like if you have a peanut butter lover in your life! Both recipes are two of my husband's favorites.
Table of Contents
Cake Mix Cookie Bars
I always try to stock up on cake mixes when they're on sale at our local grocery store. Every now and then I can purchase 10 boxes for $10.00. This is an other one of my favorite 10 Essential Pantry Items to always keep on hand.
I did a lot of baking when my son, Michael, was in school. Michael always seemed to be offering my "services" when he was in school and I really didn't mind. I actually miss having to bake and cook for the weekly football dinners that the parents were in charge of every Thursday night.
Not to mention the baked goods we needed to supply the snack stand with for the Friday night games or bake sales. If you find yourself baking for your school events, make sure you check out all the recipes in my Easy Cookie Recipes section.
Tips for Baking Perfect Bar Cookies
Did you know that any cookie recipe that yields 36 to 42 cookies will make perfect bars when baked in a 13x9-inch baking dish/pan? Here are a few tips when baking bar cookies so they come out perfect every time.
- Always line the baking dish/pan with parchment paper to help you lift the baked cookie bar out of the baking dish/pan.
- Sometimes spreading the cooking dough mixture can be difficult. Spray the back of a rubber spatula with non-stick cooking spray to help.
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars to see if they are done. You'll know if they're done if the toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cookies cool completely before slicing.
- Using a plastic or serrated knife will give you clean slices.
Which is better for baking glass or metal?
For this recipe, I used a glass baking dish, but you can use a metal or aluminum baking pan. If you are using a baking pan, which is usually metal, you'll need to reduce the baking temperature by 25 degrees.
You should also check the bar cookies often as they may be ready ten minutes earlier than if you were using a glass baking dish. Glass baking dishes do not heat up as quickly as a metal baking pan.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Reynolds Kitchens Cookie Baking Sheets,More Information6-Piece Nonstick Oven Bakeware BakingMore InformationFreezer-to-Oven Safe 3 Qt GlassMore InformationNon-Stick 9 x 13-Inch PanMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Make sure you print out the recipe below and save it for later!
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Water
- Egg
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Directions
Combine the Cake Mix and Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the water and egg.
- Then add the yellow cake mix and combine well.
- Finally, stir in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the bar cookie mixture into a 9 X 13 size pan that has been lined with parchment baking sheets or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Baking Instructions
- Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before cutting in serving pieces.
Before You Begin!
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More Recipes to Love
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
- Four Different Cake Mix Cookie Recipes
- Chocolate Chunk Muffins
- Favorite Dessert Recipes
Cake Mix Recipes Digital CookbookClick HERE to SAVE!
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Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies from a Cake Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- â…“ cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the water and egg.
- Add the yellow cake mix and combine well.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts; if using.
- Pour mixture into a 9 X 13 size pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before cutting in serving pieces.
Nutrition
Nutritional estimates are provided using an online calculator and is an estimate per serving. Calorie accuracy isn't guaranteed.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2013 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
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Karen says
We are renting in FL and there is no mixer here! Can I just stir the cake mix by hand?
Lois says
Of course!!! Hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather in Florida and the recipe. Thank you for visiting.
Joyce says
Will it make a difference if I use white cake mix instead? I’ve never cared for yellow cake.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
I love how it starts out with a box of cake mix. Makes it so much easier to bake these without all of the extra fuss. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty Pinned!
Julie Briones says
So happy to see you at Tuesdy Turn About! Hope to see you each week! These bars look amazing, and I love easy recipes from cake mixes!
Joanne says
I have made cookies from a boxed cake mix but for some reason I never thought to make cookie bars;; which are always so much easier. These look delicious! Pinned.
Janice House says
What was the tip for getting perfect slices everytime?
Lois says
Here's the tip: Using a plastic or serrated knife will give you clean slices. Let me know if it works for you! Thanks for visiting.
Amy says
I made these and they are amazing. Really easy one bowl prep and mere minutes to get in the oven. Super rich, perfect with a glass of milk.
Lois says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe! Always love to read comments like this.
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I'd love to have one of these bars with a tall glass of milk. YUM! It's so great that you start out with yellow cake mix. So easy!
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies says
Lovely to have a recipe that is so quick to put together - looks delicious xx
Lois says
Thank you Maria! Thanks for visiting too.
deb says
What butter is best? Which ones should I stay away from as the percentage doesn't work?
Lois says
I'm not sure I understand your question. I use regular salted butter in all my baking. Let me know if you need more help! Thanks for visiting.
mickeydownunder says
G'day! Never had one of these Lois, true!
I could go for one right now too!
Cheers! Joanne
Beth says
What a great idea!
Swathi Iyer says
I like the idea of baking cookies from cake mix very delicious and easy to put together though.