Spring Celebration Cookie Bars Recipe

Are you ready to add a touch of springtime magic to your baking routine? Look no further than these delightful Festive Spring Cookie Bars! Bursting with colorful Easter M&M candies and rich chocolate chips, these soft and gooey bars are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any festive occasion.

I first discovered the joy of baking these Festive Spring Cookie Bars when I needed a quick and easy treat for my kid’s Easter celebration at school. With minimal effort and a box of yellow cake mix as the secret ingredient, these bars came together in a snap, impressing both kids and parents alike. The combination of regular Easter M&Ms and peanut butter ones adds a delightful twist to the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family baking project or a simple yet impressive dessert for guests, these Festive Spring Cookie Bars are sure to please. With a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior, these bars are a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Embrace the spirit of the season and whip up a batch of these delightful cookie bars today!

Quick Benefits

Quick and easy recipe for busy occasions like Easter celebrations or hosting guests
Colorful and fun treat for kids with festive springtime pastel M&M candies
Versatile leftovers that can be repurposed into creative and delicious meals
Family-friendly activity to involve kids in the baking process

Why You’ll Love This Spring Celebration Cookie Bars Recipe Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for a time crunch, using a cake mix as the base for simple preparation and consistent results every time.
Kid-Friendly: The colorful Easter M&M candies make these cookie bars a hit with kids, perfect for school celebrations or family gatherings.
Versatile Flavor Options: Mixing regular Easter M&Ms with peanut butter M&Ms creates a delicious flavor combination that appeals to both adults and kids.
Family Fun: Involving your family in putting the candies on top in creative patterns before baking makes it a fun and interactive activity, especially around Easter.
Great Texture: These cookie bars have a crunchy bottom and soft, gooey inside, creating a delightful contrast in textures that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead Option: Perfect for hosting, you can prepare the cookie bars in advance by shaping and freezing the balls, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm treats when guests arrive.
Leftover Ideas: If you somehow have leftovers, you can repurpose the cookie bars into different meals like adding them to breakfast scrambles or salads for a creative twist.

Ingredients for Spring Celebration Cookie Bars Recipe

Main Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup Easter M&M candies
⅓ cup vegetable oil

Pro Tips for Spring Celebration Cookie Bars Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For a delicious flavor twist, try mixing regular Easter M&Ms with peanut butter ones in these cookie bars. The combination adds a unique taste that elevates the bars and might just become a family favorite.

Pro Tip 2: To enhance the texture and flavor of these cookie bars, consider making them a day ahead. Allow the flavors to meld together overnight, creating a more pronounced and satisfying taste experience.

Pro Tip 3: If you have leftovers (which is rare with these tasty treats!), get creative with repurposing them into other meals. Use crushed cookie bars in scrambled eggs, add them to salads, or even top a bowl of creamy grits for a delightful breakfast twist. These versatile bars can be enjoyed in various ways beyond just a sweet treat.

How to Make Spring Celebration Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Heat up the oven and prep the dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix up the dough

Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips evenly.

Step 3: Spread and bake

Transfer the dough to the baking dish and flatten it with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is set. Avoid overcooking for a chewier texture.

Step 4: Let it cool and slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure they firm up. Then, cut them into squares and serve.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked the Festive Spring Cookie Bars, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. To keep the bars soft and chewy, place them in an airtight container with a piece of bread or a few marshmallows to help retain moisture. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, store them in an airtight container without the bread or marshmallows at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie bars. Wrap the cooled bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Properly stored, these cookie bars can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the frozen bars at room temperature before serving or gently reheat them in the microwave for a warm treat. Remember to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Whether you’re saving some for later or enjoying them right away, these cookie bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Festive Spring Cookie Bars recipe, you can easily customize the M&M candies to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. If you don’t have Easter M&M candies, you can use regular M&Ms, pastel-colored chocolate chips, or even sprinkles to add color and flavor to the bars. Mixing different types of M&Ms, like combining regular M&Ms with peanut butter ones as suggested in the article, can create interesting flavor combinations and make the bars more unique.

If you prefer a different type of oil or want to make the bars healthier, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil, melted butter, or unsweetened applesauce. Each of these alternatives can bring a slightly different flavor profile to the bars while still keeping them moist and delicious. Experimenting with different oils can also add a personal touch to the recipe and cater to any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have.

Serving Suggestions

To make the Festive Spring Cookie Bars even more special, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm, gooey cookie bars paired with the cold, creamy ice cream create a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures that will surely impress your guests.

For a fun twist, consider turning these cookie bars into a decadent ice cream sandwich. Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookie bars and roll the edges in colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips. This playful dessert is perfect for parties or a sweet treat on a warm spring day.

FAQs for Spring Celebration Cookie Bars Recipe

Can I use a different type of M&M candies in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of M&M candies to create unique flavor combinations. Mixing regular Easter M&Ms with peanut butter ones can add a delicious twist to these cookie bars.

Can I prepare the cookie bars in advance?

Absolutely! You can shape and freeze the cookie dough balls up to a month ahead. Bread them the day before you plan to bake them, keep them covered in the fridge, and then simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This makes them a convenient option for hosting guests.

How can I store any leftover cookie bars?

If you happen to have any leftover cookie bars, you can repurpose them into different meals. For example, you can crush them into scrambled eggs for a unique breakfast, cut them up and toss with greens and dressing for a quick lunch, or place halved cookies on top of creamy grits for a delicious breakfast option the next day.

What is the key to achieving the perfect texture for these cookie bars?

The key to achieving a soft, gooey texture with crunchy bottoms in these cookie bars is handling moisture properly. Squeezing the salted cabbage well to prevent excess moisture, using cornstarch to bind everything together and absorb extra wetness, and following the cooking method of frying, steaming, and frying again all contribute to the desired texture of these festive spring cookie bars.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making these delightful Festive Spring Cookie Bars as much as I did. Whether you whip them up for a quick treat, a school party, or a family baking session, they never fail to bring smiles all around. The colorful Easter M&M candies not only add a festive touch but also a burst of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

The versatility of these cookie bars extends beyond just being a sweet treat. With their soft, gooey texture and delicious flavor profile, they can be repurposed into creative meals. From breakfast to lunch, these bars can elevate your everyday dishes and bring a touch of springtime joy to your table. Embrace the joy of baking and sharing these Festive Spring Cookie Bars with your loved ones for a delightful treat that’s sure to brighten any occasion.

Spring Celebration Cookie Bars Recipe

Easy and colorful cookie bars bursting with Easter M&M candies, a quick and festive treat perfect for springtime gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings24 Servings (24 cookie bars)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup Easter M&M candies
⅓ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

Heat up the oven and prep the dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix up the dough: Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips evenly.
Spread and bake: Transfer the dough to the baking dish and flatten it with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is set. Avoid overcooking for a chewier texture.
Let it cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure they firm up. Then, cut them into squares and serve.