Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars EVER: Irresistibly rich and creamy.

My Go-To Treat

I make these cookie bars all the time. They are my secret for a quick, happy dessert. The best part is how easy they are. You just mix everything in one bowl.

I love how the whole house smells while they bake. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. That warm, sweet smell is like a hug. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

A Little Kitchen Story

I first made these for my grandson’s last-minute school bake sale. I had almost no time. I looked in the pantry and saw a cake mix.

I decided to try something new. I mixed it with a pudding box. The result was these wonderfully gooey bars. They were a huge hit. I still laugh at how something so simple saved the day.

Why Simple Recipes Matter

This recipe matters because it gets you cooking. You don’t need to be an expert. Anyone can make these bars and feel proud.

That feeling is so important. It builds confidence. It makes the kitchen a friendly place, not a scary one. What is the first thing you ever baked by yourself?

The Magic of the Mix

The batter will be very thick. Do not worry. That is how it is supposed to be. Just spread it in the pan as best you can.

*Fun fact:* The instant pudding mix is the secret. It makes the bars super soft and gives them a rich flavor. It is my favorite little trick.

Knowing When They’re Done

This is the trickiest part. You must trust the recipe. The bars will look a little shaky in the middle. That is good. It means they will be wonderfully gooey after they cool.

If you bake them until they look totally firm, they will be crunchier. I like them soft and a bit messy. Do you prefer your cookies chewy or crispy?

Sharing the Sweetness

Food tastes better when we share it. These bars are perfect for that. Bringing a plate to a neighbor can make their whole day better.

That is why this recipe matters. It is about more than a treat. It is a simple way to show someone you care. Who would you love to share a warm cookie bar with today?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Yellow cake mix	1 (15.25-ounce) box
Instant vanilla pudding	1 (3.4-ounce) box
Water	1/4 cup
Vegetable oil	3/4 cup
Eggs	2
Chocolate chips	1 cup

The Easiest, Gooiest Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Hello, my dear! Let’s bake something simple and wonderful today. I think you’ll love these cookie bars. They remind me of baking with my own grandkids.

The kitchen would get so messy. But the smell was always worth it. I still laugh at that. These bars are so easy to make. You just mix everything in one bowl. Doesn’t that sound nice?

Step 1: First, turn your oven on to 350 degrees. Let it get nice and warm. Find your 9×13 baking dish. Give it a quick spray with cooking oil. This little step is so important. It keeps everything from sticking.

Step 2: Now, get out your biggest bowl. Dump in the cake mix and pudding powder. Add the water, oil, and eggs. It will look like a lot. Just start stirring. The batter will be quite thick. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t use a whisk! A big, sturdy spoon works best for this.)

Step 3: Finally, mix in those lovely chocolate chips. Spread the thick batter into your pan. This part takes a little patience. Now, pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes.

The middle should still look a little wobbly. That is the secret to a gooey bar! It will finish cooking as it cools. Do you like your cookies soft or crispy? Share below! Let the pan cool before you cut them. Oh, the waiting is the hardest part.

Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Category: Dessert, Snack

Let’s Get Creative With Your Bars!

This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can make it new every time. I love adding little twists. It makes baking feel like an adventure.

Here are a few fun ideas for you. Try one next time you bake.

Rainbow Sprinkle Party: Use a funfetti cake mix instead of yellow. Add a handful of bright sprinkles. Perfect for a birthday!

Peanut Butter Cup Bliss: Use chocolate cake mix. Then, swap the chocolate chips for chopped peanut butter cups. Oh my, it’s so good.

M&M Carnival: Use colorful M&Ms instead of chocolate chips. The colors peek through the top. It just makes you smile.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Way to Serve Them

Now, how should we enjoy these delicious bars? I have a few favorite ways. A warm bar is just heavenly.

You can serve them plain. They are perfect for a lunchbox. For a real treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts on the warm bar. Doesn’t that sound amazing? A little drizzle of caramel sauce makes it extra special.

What should we drink with them? A tall, cold glass of milk is always my first choice. For the grown-ups, a cup of dark roast coffee is wonderful. It balances the sweetness so nicely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cookie Bars Fresh and Ready

These cookie bars stay wonderfully soft. Let them cool completely first. Then just cover the pan with foil.

You can keep them on the counter for a few days. For longer storage, I freeze them. I slice them into squares and wrap each one tightly.

I once sent a whole batch to my grandson. He froze them and ate one a week. He said they were perfect every time.

This matters because a ready treat brings a little joy to any day. Batch cooking means you are always prepared for surprise guests. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Cookie Bar Troubles

Is your batter too thick? Do not worry. That is how it should be. Just press it into the pan with your fingers.

Are the middle bars too gooey? Bake them a little longer next time. I remember when I first made them. I took them out too soon.

Are the edges getting too brown? You can put a foil tent over the pan. This stops the edges from burning. Getting the bake time right builds your confidence. A perfect texture makes the flavor even better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Cookie Bar Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free cake mix. It works just the same.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: You can mix it and chill it. Bake it the next day.

Q: What other chips can I use?
A: Butterscotch or peanut butter chips are delicious. Fun fact: I love using white chocolate chips for a sweeter bar.

Q: Can I make a smaller batch?
A: Halve the recipe. Use an 8×8 inch pan.

Q: Any extra tips?
A: A sprinkle of sea salt on top is lovely. Which tip will you try first?

Bake Some Joy Today

I hope you love baking these easy bars. They always make my kitchen smell wonderful. Sharing them with family is the best part.

I would be so happy to see your creations. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at Anna’s Kitchen Stories.

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.