Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Ohhh these Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are everything festive baking dreams are made of—chewy, gooey, colorful, and ridiculously easy. They’re the kind of treat you whip up when you want maximum holiday joy with minimum effort. Think buttery cookie bar meets soft cake, all studded with holiday sprinkles and maybe even a handful of chocolate chips or crushed peppermint (go wild!). Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or just a night on the couch with a cozy movie, these bars will bring the merry. Trust me, they disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Ridiculously Easy: You only need one bowl, one pan, and one box of cake mix—seriously!
Perfectly Chewy: These bars have that sweet spot between cookie and cake. Soft, a little gooey, with crispy golden edges.
Festive & Fun: Add holiday sprinkles, M&Ms, or crushed candy canes. It’s a party in every bite.
Kid-Friendly & Kid-Approved: Great for little hands to help with (and devour after).
Customizable: Switch it up with different cake mix flavors, colors, and toppings to match any holiday or vibe.

Ingredients in Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

You’ll be amazed how a few simple ingredients can turn into a holiday masterpiece.

Cake Mix: Yellow, white, or even red velvet—this is your shortcut base with built-in flavor and fluff.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.
Butter or Oil: Melted butter gives that irresistible chewy texture and buttery flavor.
Holiday Mix-ins: Think red & green sprinkles, seasonal M&Ms, crushed peppermint, white chocolate chips—you name it.
Vanilla Extract (Optional): A little extra flavor never hurts.
Salt (Optional): Just a pinch can help balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor.

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter (plus vanilla and salt if using). Stir until a thick dough forms.
Add the Fun Stuff: Fold in your holiday mix-ins—sprinkles, candy, or chocolate chips.
Press into Pan: Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (don’t overbake!).
Cool Completely: Let cool in the pan for 30–40 minutes before slicing into bars—this helps them set up and stay chewy.
Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy the festive flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20 bars
Calories: 210
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 2g
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Cookie Exchange Hero: Wrap in festive bags or boxes and watch them disappear.
After-School Treat: Pair with a glass of milk for the ultimate pick-me-up.
Holiday Dessert Platter: Add to a tray of cookies and fudge for variety.
With Ice Cream: Warm up a bar and top with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge for a full dessert moment.
Coffee Companion: A chewy bar + a cup of coffee = the coziest snack break.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overbake: The key to soft, chewy bars is taking them out when the center still looks a little soft.
Switch Up the Cake Mix: Try red velvet, chocolate, or spice cake for fun seasonal twists.
Add a Drizzle: Once cooled, top with melted chocolate or a powdered sugar glaze.
Freeze for Later: These bars freeze beautifully—just wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Make It a Family Project: Let kids decorate the top with extra sprinkles or candies before baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?
A1: Yes! Just make sure it’s a 1:1 swap and follow the same instructions.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Definitely. They stay fresh for several days in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A3: Yes, use an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil for a slightly different texture.

Q4: What kind of cake mix works best?
A4: Yellow or white cake mix is classic, but feel free to get creative!

Q5: How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
A5: Parchment paper is your best friend here—makes cleanup and lifting a breeze.

Q6: Can I add nuts?
A6: Absolutely. Chopped walnuts or pecans add great crunch.

Q7: Are these freezer-friendly?
A7: Yes! Slice, wrap individually, and freeze. Just thaw at room temp or microwave for a quick treat.

Q8: What if I don’t have sprinkles or candy?
A8: No problem! Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or crushed cookies work great too.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: For sure—use two pans or a large baking sheet and adjust the bake time slightly.

Q10: Can I make these in a smaller pan?
A10: Yes, but reduce the amount of dough or increase the bake time depending on thickness.

Conclusion

These Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are festive, fun, and downright irresistible. They’re the kind of treat that takes almost no effort but brings maximum cheer. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with your favorite holiday flick, they’re a sweet little reminder that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be completely magical. So grab a cake mix, stir in some sparkle, and bake up a batch—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Print