4 ingredients are all it takes to make this delicious 4th of July cookie bars. Simple prep, decadent payoff. Whip these up for your next summer cookout or potluck dessert that will be a bang.
Can you believe the 4th of July is almost here? Here you can whip up tasty cookie bars that use cake mix as the base. Check out my sprinkle cookies, whip up this cookie dough dip, or try out this 4th of July vanilla truffles.
Why Make 4th of July Cookie Bars
- 4 ingredients
- Affordable
- Easy
- Great for beginner bakers
- Delicious
- Stores Well
- Freezer Friendly
What Flavor Of Cake Mix To Use For Cookie Bars
I used a yellow cake mix but you will find any flavor of cake will work. You could even reach for a chocolate cake if you would like. Just buy your favorite brand and favorite flavor of cake mix.
Whip it up as directed and bake as you would.
In terms of gluten-free cake mix batter, I have not tried it. If you are using a Betty Crocker style it might work, but I can’t fully say if the other ingredients will be enough to create the right texture of the batter.
Tips for Making Cake Cookie Bars
- I recommend using real butter not margarine for this recipe.
- You can use other types of candies to mix in. I used patriotic M&M’s as I wanted to have a fun festive 4th of July feel.
- Stir in some white chocolate chips as well.
- You can double the recipe if you want to serve up more cookies.
- Store your cookie bars at room temperature in a covered dish.
- Freeze your cookie bars for up to 3 months at a time.
Variations to Recipe
- Use any flavor of cake mix you would like. Chocolate, vanilla, Funfetti, etc.
- Add in some mini chocolate chips.
- Add in some peanut butter chocolate chips.
- Use any color of M&M’s to fit the holiday or theme you are going for.
What will the texture of the cookie bars be?
The batter is very thick. So you will find you need to use a spatula to spread out the mixture in your baking dish. I find using a rubber spatula for spreading works best.
It helps to spread out the batter without sticking to the spoon as bad as say a wood or plastic spoon would.
More Cake Mix Recipes To Try Out
- Girl Scout Mint Cupcakes – Similar to a Thin Mint cookie you know and love. These cake mix batter cupcakes are so easy and the frosting is incredible.
- Pumpkin Dump Cake – The base is a yellow cake mix. If you are a fan of pumpkin this recipe right here is a great one to add into your rotation for a fall-inspired dessert.
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies – Here you can get a fresh fruity dessert that is a cookie form. This cake mix cookie is crazy simple and one of my favorites to make up.

4th of July Cookie Bars
4th of July Cookie Bars is a simple and easy 4 ingredient dessert. The base is boxed cake mix, so it is super easy to whip up.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and butter, and mix.
- Add M&Ms and mix.
- Spread into a baking pan with a spatula and bake for 20-25 minutes or until
bars are golden on the edges. - Using the parchment paper, remove from pan and cut into squares.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 310Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 309mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 1gSugar: 31gProtein: 3g
