Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to celebrate the joyous season of Easter. Bursting with pastel colors and delightful flavors, these cookie bars are easy to make and provide the perfect sweetness for holiday gatherings. This recipe is designed for simplicity, with step-by-step instructions that will guide you effortlessly through the process. With each bite, you’ll experience a chewy texture and delightful melty candies that create a joyful experience for everyone!
Creating these cute and colorful cookie bars is worth it for a number of reasons. They are not only quick to prepare, but their festive look makes them an instant hit at any Easter celebration. Plus, family-friendly in nature, these bars can be enjoyed by all ages, making your celebration even more special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars recipe stands out thanks to its easy prep and minimal ingredients. The use of yellow cake mix takes the complication away from baking, allowing you to whip up a festive treat in no time! Just a few pantry staples and a handful of vibrant candies transform into a delightful dessert that your family will cherish. With the combination of chewy cookie goodness and the bright, melty M&M’s, it’s an irresistible option for quick celebrations.
Ingredients for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s (Easter edition)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Gather these ingredients to embark on your journey toward delightful Easter cookie bars. As the butter melts and mingles with the vanilla, the sweet and buttery aroma will fill your kitchen, promising deliciousness. The vivid colors of pastel M&M’s not only enhance the aesthetic but also elevate the overall flavor. Let’s dive into the process!
Step-by-Step Directions for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Choose either a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick, delicious dough forms. The mix will come together quite well, filling your bowl with a rich, buttery mixture.
- If you’ve opted for white chocolate chips, this is the moment to gently fold them into your dough. The creamy texture of white chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookie bars perfectly.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. With a little pressure, shape the surface flat to ensure even baking.
- Next, sprinkle the pastel M&M’s over the top and gently press them into the cookie dough. This creates the signature look of your bars and ensures that every bite delivers a sweet surprise.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The anticipation builds as you watch the edges bubble up while the fragrant aroma fills the room.
- Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan. Once cool, slice into bars and enjoy the chewy center featuring melty M&M’s with every bite.
Tips & Tricks for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. This keeps your bars tender and chewy.
- Cutting Tips: Use a plastic knife or a knife dipped in hot water to cut your cookie bars for clean slices.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Just ensure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
- Colorful Toppings: Feel free to use different kinds of candies or sprinkles that match the theme of your gathering, altering this recipe based on the holidays or special occasions.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
When it’s time to serve your Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars, consider presenting them on a festive platter adorned with spring flowers or Easter eggs. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of textures. For a fun twist, you could also serve them alongside a fruit salad or even a light lemon sorbet to balance out the sweetness.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the size of the cut and any additional ingredients. Naturally, indulging in a treat like this once in a while is absolutely okay! Feel free to share it with family and friends; just remember to savor each bite.
Storing Tips & Variations for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
To keep your Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to preserve them for a longer period, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months. If you’re looking to swap out some ingredients for a healthier version, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of some butter or using alternative cake mixes like whole wheat or gluten-free options. Creative variations could include adding different chocolates, nuts, or even coconut flakes to enhance flavors!
Conclusion for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a must-try for anyone looking to add a festive and heartwarming treat to their holiday celebrations. With their cheerful colors and inviting flavors, they’ll surely delight both young and old alike. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and make these joyful cookie bars today!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes, you can absolutely experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla! Each will create a delightful twist.
2. How do I know when the cookie bars are fully baked?
The edges should turn a light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
3. Can I make these cookie bars in advance?
Yes, you can bake them a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to retain their freshness.
4. What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
You can substitute with dark chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips based on your personal preference.
5. Is it possible to make these cookie bars vegan?
You can easily make these vegan by using plant-based butter and egg replacements such as flaxseed or applesauce.
Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s (Easter edition)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional) Can substitute with dark chocolate or butterscotch chips.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Choose a greased 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- If using white chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, shaping the surface flat.
- Sprinkle the pastel M&M’s over the top and press them gently into the dough.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan, then slice into bars and enjoy.