Name: Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 box Yellow Cake Mix ((about 15.25 ounces)); 1/2 cup Melted Butter ((1 stick)); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 large Eggs; 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1 small box Reece’s Pieces Candies ((about 4 ounces))

Jump to Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey square bursting with molten chocolate chips and crunchy, colorful candies—the kind of treat that instantly transports you back to your happiest childhood moments. That’s exactly what you get with Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! These bars are packed with nostalgia, boasting an irresistible blend of buttery cookie dough, melty chocolate, and rich peanut butter flavor from those classic candy shells on top. Fun fact: This easy dessert is inspired by the iconic movie treat E.T. made famous, making it a pop culture snack as much as a sweet indulgence.

What makes these bars so special? They’re nearly effortless to whip up, need only pantry staples, and are always a huge hit at family gatherings or potlucks. Compared to my ever-popular Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, these cookie bars offer double the fun with half the fuss—no scooping needed! Get ready for a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is scrumptious. Let’s get baking and make some memories!

What is Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: now, that’s a mouthful—literally! Ever wondered how these treats got their name? Maybe whoever made them first wanted to mash up all the best flavors from their childhood in one bite. Why settle for just chocolate chips or peanut butter candies when you can have both, right? These bars are the edible proof that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” or, really, anyone with a sweet tooth! If you’ve never tried baking up your favorite candies and cookies into one, here’s your sign. Don’t just take my word for it—bake a batch and see why everyone raves about these colorful, crowd-pleasing cookie bars.

Why You’ll Love This

The main highlight of Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is their unbeatable combination of flavors and textures—each bite balances melty chocolate, peanut butter candy crunch, and soft, chewy cookie. Making them at home is a huge wallet-saver compared to splurging on specialty bakery treats or store-bought sweets; you likely have most of the ingredients already on hand. What truly makes these bars stand out is the riot of Reece’s Pieces on top—bright, crunchy, and bursting with peanut buttery goodness that’s impossible to resist. It’s a playful twist compared to traditional Chocolate Chip Blondies, and just as quick to prepare. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade dessert that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Don your apron and let’s get started—you’ll want to add this recipe to your favorites!

How to Make

Quick Overview

These Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a busy baker’s dream—simple to make, super satisfying, and impossible to mess up! With only 10 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes of bake time, you’ll have a warm, decadent treat ready in under an hour. The secret is starting with a box of yellow cake mix, making the dough ultra-soft, and then loading it up with chocolate chips and a shower of Reece’s Pieces on top. If you crave easy desserts that hit all the right notes, this is the one for you.

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
1 stick melted butter (½ cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 small box Reece’s Pieces candies (about 4 ounces)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to mix everything together until well combined and a gooey dough forms.
Add the chocolate chips and stir by hand until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be sure not to overmix!
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the corners with your hands or a spatula.
Sprinkle the Reece’s Pieces candies evenly on top, lightly pressing them into the dough so they adhere during baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set—it’s better to underbake slightly for extra gooey bars.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Enjoy!

What to Serve With

Pair these cookie bars with a cold glass of milk for an unbeatable classic combo, or try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping dessert. For a fun party platter, team them up with chocolate-dipped strawberries, or serve alongside salty snacks like pretzels to balance out the sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or hot cocoa also pairs perfectly and brings out the rich chocolatey notes in each bite.

Top Tips for Perfecting

For extra gooey bars, take them out of the oven as soon as the edges turn golden; the center will continue to set as they cool.
No yellow cake mix? Substitute with a white cake mix or even a homemade cookie base if you like.
Swap some, or all, of the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for a double peanut punch.
Press the Reece’s Pieces lightly into the dough so they don’t roll off when cutting the bars.
Don’t be tempted to cut the bars while warm—they’ll hold their shape best after cooling completely.
If you prefer thicker bars, use a smaller pan and increase the baking time by a few minutes.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover cookie bars store beautifully! Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze wrapped individually for up to 3 months. To enjoy warm, simply microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds until soft and gooey. If freezing, thaw at room temperature before serving or warm gently in the oven. These bars are a make-ahead marvel—perfect for parties, school lunches, or surprise guests.

FAQs

What if I don’t have a yellow cake mix?
Swap in white or vanilla cake mix, or use a homemade blondie base as an alternative.

Can I use other candies instead of Reece’s Pieces?
Absolutely! Try M&Ms, peanut butter chips, or even chopped up peanut butter cups for a fun twist.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix—most brands offer great alternatives, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a half-sheet pan and double all ingredients. The baking time may increase by about 5-10 minutes.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare, bake, and store as directed—the flavors develop beautifully overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.

Conclusion

Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate solution for anyone craving a sweet, shareable, and stress-free dessert. With gooey chocolate, crunchy peanut butter candies, and a buttery base, these bars capture the magic of your favorite cookies and candies—no fancy skills required. They’re perfect for all kinds of occasions, from family movie night to last-minute bake sales, and will leave everyone smiling with every bite. Ready to bring some color and cheer to your kitchen? Grab your favorite mixing bowl and let the baking fun begin! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more easy bar desserts and family-friendly treats in the blog archives. Happy baking!