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Looking for a dessert that’s quick, irresistible, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser? These Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate sweet treat. Packed with gooey chocolate chips and crunchy peanut butter candy, this recipe combines convenience with indulgence. Whether you need an easy bake-sale item, a kid-friendly snack, or a last-minute dessert for family gatherings, these cookie bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
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Unlike traditional cookies, these bars are baked in one pan, making them a no-fuss dessert perfect for busy days. Plus, they’re made with a yellow cake mix base, which cuts down prep time while still giving you a chewy, bakery-style texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just one bowl and a few pantry staples.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the colorful Reese’s Pieces on top.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly gooey in the center.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for holidays, parties, or simple weeknight treats.
- High-Protein Candy Boost: The peanut butter adds extra richness and flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at what makes these cookie bars so delicious:
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- Yellow Cake Mix – A shortcut ingredient that creates a soft and chewy base.
- Butter (melted) – Adds richness and keeps the bars moist.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a sweet, warm note.
- Eggs – Help bind the mixture and provide structure.
- Chocolate Chips – Give these bars a gooey, chocolatey bite in every square.
- Reese’s Pieces – Add crunch, color, and that irresistible peanut butter flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Use parchment paper for easy lifting and cutting.
- Don’t overbake – the bars continue to cook as they cool.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
- For extra gooey bars, reduce the baking time by 2 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
- 🍫 Double Chocolate: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow.
- 🥜 Peanut Butter Lovers: Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter to the batter.
- 🍬 Candy Mix-In: Swap Reese’s Pieces for M&M’s, mini peanut butter cups, or chopped Snickers.
- 🌰 Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Pairing Suggestions
These cookie bars taste amazing on their own, but you can make them extra indulgent by pairing them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of warm chocolate syrup
- A glass of cold milk
- A hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! White or chocolate cake mix works well too.
2. Do I have to use Reese’s Pieces?
Nope—you can swap them with any candy-coated chocolates.
3. How do I make them chewier?
Reduce baking time slightly and let them cool completely before cutting.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, vanilla, and eggs. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Press the mixture evenly into the pan.
- Sprinkle Reese’s Pieces over the batter and press lightly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
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