These Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are pure peanut buttery perfection. Loaded with melty chocolate chips and colorful Reese’s Pieces, they’re soft, chewy, and bursting with rich, nostalgic flavor. The best part? They start with a yellow cake mix, making prep a breeze.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these bars are quick, kid-friendly, and completely irresistible. With gooey centers and crisp edges, they deliver all the joy of a cookie with the ease of a one-pan bar.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
-
Easy to make with cake mix
-
Chewy, soft texture with crisp edges
-
Packed with chocolate chips and peanut butter candy
-
Great for holidays, school lunches, or potlucks
-
Freezer-friendly and customizable
Ingredient Breakdown
-
Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that gives structure and a buttery flavor.
-
Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
-
Eggs: Bind the dough and provide moisture.
-
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
-
Chocolate Chips: Provide gooey chocolate pockets throughout the bars.
-
Reese’s Pieces: Add color, crunch, and sweet peanut butter flavor.
Pro Tips
-
For extra chewiness, slightly underbake and let them set while cooling.
-
Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
-
Use an offset spatula or greased fingers to press the dough evenly.
-
Line the pan with parchment for mess-free lifting and slicing.
-
Store in an airtight container to keep bars soft for days.
Variations and Add-Ins
-
Candy Swap: Substitute M&M’s or chopped peanut butter cups for Reese’s Pieces.
-
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pecans for texture.
-
Double Chocolate: Use chocolate cake mix and dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
-
Peanut Butter Boost: Mix in ¼ cup peanut butter with the wet ingredients for an extra PB kick.
-
Holiday Theme: Use seasonal Reese’s Pieces colors for festive flair.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa.
-
Top with a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream.
-
Cut into bite-size squares for party platters.
-
Drizzle with melted peanut butter or chocolate for added indulgence.
Make-Ahead and Storage
-
Make Ahead: Bars can be baked up to 2 days in advance. Keep tightly covered at room temperature.
-
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
-
Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.
-
Reheating: Microwave a single bar for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Bar cookies gained popularity in mid-20th-century American kitchens for their simplicity and portability. This modern take blends classic cake mix bars with the nostalgic, peanut buttery goodness of Reese’s Pieces—an iconic candy introduced in 1978 and beloved ever since.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Try chocolate or peanut butter cake mix for a twist.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling required—this dough goes straight into the pan.
Can I reduce the sugar?
The cake mix already has sugar built in, so reducing it may affect texture. You can use fewer chocolate chips or candies instead.
How do I make the bars firmer for stacking or shipping?
Bake a minute or two longer for firmer bars, and let them cool completely before cutting.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and check that your candies are certified gluten-free.
1 comment
itstitle
excerptsa