These Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a joyful twist on classic cookies, combining festive flavors with a simple, one-pan approach that's perfect for parties or cozy family nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortless these bars are—I mix everything in one bowl and bake it in just one pan. The colorful holiday cake mix gives them a festive look, and the cookie-style texture makes them soft inside with a slight chew at the edges. Plus, they’re easy to slice and share!
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Holiday-flavored cake mix (vanilla or funfetti variety)
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softened butter or oil
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eggs
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Brown sugar
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festive sprinkles (optional)
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vanilla extract
Directions
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Preheat the oven and prepare a baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter (or oil), eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the dough comes together.
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Gently stir in sprinkles if using for a festive touch.
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Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool the bars completely before slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
These cookie bars yield about 16 to 20 pieces, depending on how big I cut them.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate drizzle: I like drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars for extra indulgence.
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Nutty crunch: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts stirred into the dough adds great texture and flavor.
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Peppermint twist: Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top before baking give a festive crunch.
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Reindeer sprinkle bar: Use red and green nonpareils for a holiday-themed look.
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Marbled fudgy center: Swirl softened cream cheese into the dough before baking for a tender marbled effect.
storage/reheating
I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I need to keep them longer, I freeze them in a tightly sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. For reheating, I pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to make it warm and chewy again.
FAQs
What cake mix flavors work best?
I find vanilla or funfetti cake mixes work beautifully, but you can also try chocolate or spice mixes. Just note that darker mixes may dry out faster, so adjust baking time accordingly.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten‑free?
Yes—I swap in a gluten‑free cake mix and ensure sprinkles are gluten‑free. The texture stays lovely, though sometimes a bit more delicate.
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for lightly golden edges and a center that isn’t runny. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.
Can I add mix‑ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely—I often fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
Can I make it dairy‑free or vegan?
I substitute dairy with margarine or a plant‑based oil and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). The texture is slightly different but still delicious.
Conclusion
I love how these Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars simplify baking without sacrificing flavor or festivity. They're sweet, soft, and customizable—and perfect for gift trays, potlucks, or cozy winter nights. I hope they become a go‑to during the holiday season!
Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Holiday Cake Mix Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and festive, made with a cake mix base and a one-bowl, one-pan method—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 box holiday-flavored cake mix (vanilla or funfetti variety)
- ½ cup softened butter or ½ cup oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup festive sprinkles (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, softened butter or oil, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in festive sprinkles if using.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag.
- Reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften.
- For a richer flavor, add chocolate drizzle or chopped nuts.
- Use gluten-free cake mix and sprinkles for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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