Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – A Fun and Easy Treat
Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – A Fun and Easy Treat
Sometimes the simplest desserts become the most memorable, and that’s exactly what these Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are. Sweet, colorful, and packed with chocolatey goodness, they’re perfect for kids, grandchildren, or anyone with a sweet tooth. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create something impressive.
I first made these cookie bars for my grandchildren, and they were an absolute hit. The combination of chocolate chips and Reece’s Pieces candy creates a playful texture and flavor that everyone loves. Watching them disappear in record time reminded me why simple recipes often become family favorites—they bring joy without fuss.
The yellow cake mix base gives these bars a soft, tender texture, almost like a hybrid between cake and cookie. The melted butter and eggs create a rich, buttery flavor, while the chocolate chips add little pockets of gooey chocolate. Topping it off with Reece’s Pieces gives the bars a colorful, festive look that makes them perfect for birthdays, playdates, or casual family treats.
What’s really nice about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need to measure flour or worry about chilling dough. Everything comes together in one bowl, pressed into a pan, and baked. It’s perfect for busy days or for getting the kids involved in the kitchen—they can mix, press, and sprinkle the candies on top.
These cookie bars are also versatile. Swap the Reece’s Pieces for M&M’s, chocolate-covered peanuts, or even mini peanut butter cups if you want to try a variation. No matter what you use, the bars are bound to delight anyone who takes a bite.
Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 😋😋
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick melted butter
1 Tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 Cups chocolate chips
1 small box Reece’s Pieces
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together except the candy. Grease a 9×13 pan. Press batter in pan. Place candies on top. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden.
These were a big hit with my grands and super easy!
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
Make sure your melted butter is slightly cooled before adding it to the batter so it doesn’t cook the eggs. Mix the batter until just combined to avoid overworking it; this keeps the bars tender and soft.
When placing the Reece’s Pieces on top, press them lightly into the batter. This keeps them from sliding off during baking while still keeping the candy colorful and visible.
If you prefer slightly softer bars, check them at 20 minutes and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden. Overbaking can make them too firm.
Variations and Fun Twists
These bars are incredibly adaptable. You can add chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even swirl peanut butter into the batter before topping with Reece’s Pieces.
For a seasonal twist, swap the candies for Halloween, Christmas, or Easter-themed chocolates. Kids love seeing their favorite holiday treats baked right into a cookie bar.
If you like a double chocolate version, use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow and add semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. The Reece’s Pieces still add the perfect colorful crunch on top.
When to Serve
These cookie bars are perfect for school parties, picnics, family gatherings, or casual after-school snacks. They’re easy to cut into squares or rectangles, making portioning simple and kid-friendly.
Serve them warm for slightly gooey chocolate chips or let them cool for firmer bars that still melt in your mouth. Pair with milk, coffee, or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Tips
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, which slightly firms up the chocolate chips but keeps the bars flavorful.
For longer storage, freeze baked bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked batter in the pan, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and bake later—just add the Reece’s Pieces before baking.
FAQ
Can I substitute M&M’s for Reece’s Pieces?
Yes, M&M’s or other small candies work perfectly and give the bars a similar colorful, crunchy texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make smaller, bite-sized bars?
Absolutely. Press the batter thinner and bake for 15–18 minutes to make mini cookie bars.
Do the candy pieces melt completely?
No, Reece’s Pieces hold their shape and color during baking, giving a fun crunch and vibrant appearance on top.
