If you’re searching for a treat that’s equal parts festive, foolproof, and fun, look no further than these Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars. With vibrant pops of color from M&Ms and sprinkles, a soft, chewy center, and a golden, buttery finish, these bars are truly the spirit of the season in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, a family gathering, or just because you love a little holiday magic, this recipe brings joy to every bite—and it couldn’t be easier to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars is in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating texture, flavor, and that irresistible festive flair. Don’t skip the little extras; they’re what make these bars so special!
- Vanilla or yellow cake mix: The base that keeps things soft, sweet, and perfectly chewy every time.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring your bars stay tender and delicious.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the bars structure.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to deepen the flavors and add that bakery-style aroma.
- Holiday-colored M&M’s: For pops of color, chocolatey bites, and a festive look that’s instantly cheerful.
- Red and green sprinkles: These add crunch and a holiday sparkle to every slice.
- White chocolate chips (optional): For creamy sweetness and a lovely contrast to the M&M’s.
How to Make Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing—this makes it so much easier to lift out and slice your bars later. A little prep now means no sticky mess when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of cake mix, your choice of vegetable oil or melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until it all comes together into a thick, slightly sticky dough. This step is quick and satisfying—the dough will smell amazing from the moment you add the vanilla!
Step 3: Add the Holiday Cheer
Now’s the time to fold in your festive mix-ins: pour in the holiday-colored M&M’s, red and green sprinkles, and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. Gently mix until everything is evenly distributed, so every bite of your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars has that perfect blend of chocolate, crunch, and color.
Step 4: Press and Smooth
Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Use a spatula (or your hands) to press it evenly into the corners and smooth out the top. The dough will be thick, but that’s what creates those delightfully chewy cookie bar edges.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for edges that turn golden and a center that’s just set—test with a toothpick for doneness. They’ll keep baking a bit after you take them out, so don’t overdo it!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let your Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan. This is the toughest part (waiting!), but it ensures clean cuts and perfect bars. Once cool, lift them out, slice into squares, and get ready for the oohs and aahs.
How to Serve Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your bars with a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few extra sprinkles on top for that extra sparkle. If you want to take them over the top, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes every bite even more decadent.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookie bars with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced coffee, or a glass of cold milk for an unbeatable holiday treat. They also shine beside a bowl of fresh fruit or a platter of other seasonal cookies, adding color and variety to your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, wrap individual bars in cellophane bags tied with ribbon—perfect for gifting or party favors. Stack them on a tiered platter for a show-stopping centerpiece, or layer them in a decorative tin to surprise someone special. No matter how you serve them, Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are guaranteed to bring smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy, making them perfect for snacking all week long—or tucking into lunchboxes for a midday treat.
Freezing
Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm and gooey, pop one (or a few) in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate gets melty, and the bar tastes like it just came out of the oven—pure comfort in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla or yellow cake mix is classic, chocolate or spice cake mixes make delicious variations. Just pick your favorite and have fun experimenting with different holiday candy combinations.
Do I have to use M&M’s and sprinkles?
Not at all! Feel free to swap in other seasonal candies, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit. The mix-ins are what make Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars so versatile and customizable.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—just use a gluten-free cake mix that you love, and check the labels on your mix-ins to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. The results are just as chewy and festive!
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining your baking pan with parchment paper or greasing it well will prevent sticking and make it easy to lift the bars out after baking. This also helps with even slicing and serving.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use two pans, or bake in a larger sheet pan (adjusting the baking time as needed). Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are perfect for parties and sharing.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars enough—they’re festive, delicious, and ridiculously easy. Whether you’re baking them for a big celebration or just to add a little extra cheer to your week, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition. Give them a try and let yourself taste the joy of the season!
Print
Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a festive and easy-to-make treat perfect for any holiday celebration. Made with a boxed vanilla or yellow cake mix combined with colorful holiday M&M’s, sprinkles, and optional white chocolate chips, these bars deliver a deliciously soft and chewy texture with a delightful burst of fruity and chocolaty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup holiday-colored M&M’s
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil or melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until a thick dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the holiday-colored M&M’s, red and green sprinkles, and white chocolate chips if using. Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the pan, smoothing out the surface for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting into 16 bars to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute any cake mix flavor such as chocolate or spice cake to customize the flavor.
- Feel free to swap the holiday-colored M&M’s and sprinkles with different candy colors to match various holidays or celebrations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
