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Lyna Recipes

4th of July Cake-Mix Cookie Bars – Only 4 Ingredients

Soft, chewy cookie bars made from cake mix, butter, eggs, and patriotic candies for a quick and easy 4th of July dessert.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 Bars
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup red and blue M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates
  • Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • Optional: red white & blue sprinkles

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until a thick dough forms.
  3. Fold in red and blue candies (and white chocolate chips if using).
  4. Press dough evenly into prepared baking pan.
  5. Bake for 22–28 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is just set.
  6. Do not overbake—center should look slightly soft.
  7. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Do not overmix dough or bars will become dense.
Slight underbaking keeps bars soft and chewy.
Cool fully before cutting for clean edges.
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freeze up to 2 months for longer storage.