# Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars: A Fun and Festive Treat
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and festive dessert to celebrate Easter, these **Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars** are the perfect choice. Made with a simple cake mix base, loaded with chocolate chips, and studded with colorful pastel M&M’s, these bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday cheer. They’re a great treat for Easter gatherings, school parties, or just a fun baking project with the kids.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe, share tips for success, explore creative variations, and provide serving and storage suggestions. Let’s get started!
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## **The Recipe: Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars**
### **Ingredients**
– 1 box yellow cake mix
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– ¾ cup pastel M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
### **Directions**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. **Make the Dough:** In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick dough forms.
3. **Add Mix-Ins:** Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s.
4. **Press into Pan:** Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. **Cool and Slice:** Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
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## **Why This Recipe Works**
These cookie bars are a perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. Here’s what makes them so special:
1. **Cake Mix Base:** Using a boxed cake mix makes this recipe quick and easy, while still delivering a soft and chewy texture.
2. **Chocolate Chips:** Add melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
3. **Pastel M&M’s:** Bring a festive touch and a fun crunch.
4. **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or the theme of your event.
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## **Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars**
To ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
1. **Don’t Overbake:** For gooey bars, slightly underbake them and let them set while cooling.
2. **Use Room Temperature Eggs:** This helps the ingredients blend more evenly.
3. **Press Evenly:** Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the pan for consistent baking.
4. **Cool Completely:** Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
5. **Add Toppings Creatively:** Press extra M&M’s or sprinkles into the dough before baking for a festive look.
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## **Creative Variations**
These cookie bars are highly customizable. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
1. **Different Cake Mixes:** Use a white, chocolate, or funfetti cake mix for a different flavor base.
2. **Swap the Candy:** Use Reese’s Pieces, crushed Easter candy, or sprinkles instead of M&M’s.
3. **Add Nuts:** Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
4. **Gluten-Free Option:** Use a gluten-free cake mix to make the bars suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
5. **Drizzle with Chocolate:** Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for an elegant finish.
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## **Serving and Presentation Ideas**
These bars are as fun to serve as they are to eat. Here are some creative ways to present them:
1. **Easter Platter:** Arrange the bars on a platter with Easter-themed decorations like chocolate eggs or bunny-shaped candies.
2. **Gift Boxes:** Package the bars in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
3. **Dessert Table:** Include the bars on a dessert table with other Easter treats like cupcakes, cookies, and fruit.
4. **Individual Wrappers:** Wrap each bar in colorful foil or cellophane for a festive touch.
5. **Pair with a Beverage:** Serve the bars with a glass of milk, coffee, or a fruity Easter punch.
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## **Storage and Freezing Tips**
– **Room Temperature:** Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
– **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
– **Freezer:** Place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Quick and Easy:** With just 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy bakers.
– **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love helping to mix the dough and add the M&M’s.
– **Festive and Fun:** The pastel colors and toppings make these bars perfect for Easter celebrations.
– **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or the theme of your event.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a colorful, chewy, and indulgent treat that’s sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just to enjoy at home, they’re a delightful way to celebrate the season. Plus, with so many ways to customize the recipe, you can make it your own.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible bars. Happy Easter and happy baking! 🐰🌸✨
