Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the chewy texture of cookies with the convenience of a bar. This recipe is a dream come true for cookie lovers, incorporating the classic flavors of a yellow cake with a twist of vanilla pudding, chocolate chips, and mini M&M's to create a colorful and irresistible dessert. These bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time. Whether you're looking for a fun baking project with the kids, a sweet addition to a party spread, or just a delicious snack to brighten your day, these cookie bars are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding (small box)
- 2 Eggs
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil
- ¼ cup Water
- ½ cup Chocolate Chips
- ½ cup Mini M&M's
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take a 9x13 inch baking pan and lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure they are well blended.
Step 3: To the dry mix, add the eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix these together using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until you have a smooth and well-combined batter. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips and mini M&M's into the batter, reserving a small amount of each to sprinkle on top before baking. This not only adds a burst of chocolate in every bite but also makes the bars visually appealing.
Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and mini M&M's over the top for extra sweetness and color.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The exact baking time might vary depending on your oven, so it's a good idea to start checking at the 20-minute mark.
Step 7: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time helps the bars set, making them easier to cut into squares or rectangles.
Cooking Note:
The addition of instant vanilla pudding to the batter not only enhances the vanilla flavor but also contributes to the moist and soft texture of the bars.
Serving Suggestions:
Cut the cooled cookie bars into squares or rectangles and serve them as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tips:
- For a twist, try using different flavors of cake mix or pudding to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.
- Adding a pinch of salt to the batter can help balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the chocolate chips and M&M's to prevent the colors from bleeding.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20-25 minutes
Total Time:
- 30-35 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 per bar
- Protein: About 2-3g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg per serving
(Note: The nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and sizes.)
Conclusion
These Cookie Bars are a testament to the joy of simple baking, combining classic ingredients in a new and exciting way. Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations, these bars offer the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey in every bite. Easy to make, delightful to eat, and fun to share, they're a surefire way to bring a smile to anyone's face.
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