Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip

This chewy chunky cookie bar recipe brings all the nostalgic magic of bake sale treats to your kitchen with a double hit of chocolate and the unmistakable crunch of Reece’s Pieces on top. Thanks to a cake mix shortcut these bars bake up fast and deliver that gooey center and colorful candy finish every time. It is my go to for potlucks and birthday parties because the pan is always empty by the end of the night.

Every time I make these I think of my little sister’s birthday when we crumbled the snacks right on top with our hands giggling as the colors scattered. Now it is a family tradition that even my neighbors join every Halloween.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: Look for a moist variety and check the dates for the freshest mix
• Melted butter: Adds rich flavor and keeps the bars dense and tender use real dairy butter if possible
• Vanilla: Brings in warmth and rounds out the sweetness real extract makes a difference
• Eggs: Act as a binder for thickness and chew fresh eggs add lift
• Chocolate chips: Go for semi sweet for balance and check for shiny firm chips
• Reece’s Pieces Candy: Provides color and nutty flavor scatter these generously for the best topping

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan very well with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy release when cutting the bars later

Mix the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl combine the yellow cake mix melted butter vanilla and eggs Stir with a sturdy spoon until you see no dry streaks This dough will be thick so do not worry if it looks dense

Add Chocolate Chips:

Pour the chocolate chips into your dough Stir gently to distribute them evenly throughout the thick batter so every bite has chunks

Press into the Pan:

Transfer the dough into your prepared pan Using clean hands or a spatula press it out all the way to the edges so the surface is even and packed tight

Scatter the Reeces Pieces:

Take your Reeces Pieces candies and sprinkle them over the top Press very lightly so they adhere but still show their bright colors on the surface

Bake to Perfection:

Place the pan in a preheated 350 degree oven Bake for 20 to 25 minutes watching closely The bars are done when the edges turn golden and the center looks just set You want a little gooeyness

Cool and Cut:

Let the pan cool for at least 30 minutes on a rack before you try to cut The bars will firm up as they cool making neat squares much easier to slice

My favorite ingredient is the Reece’s Pieces because the peanutty crunch with the soft dough is irresistible I remember one Halloween when we could not find them anywhere so we used peanut butter chips and it was still a hit but nothing beats those classic candy shells

Storage Tips

Once the bars are completely cool store them in an airtight container at room temperature They will stay soft and chewy for up to four days For even longer storage put parchment between layers and freeze for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in white or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor or use M and M candies instead of Reece’s Pieces for a different color twist Try using a chocolate cake mix for double chocolate cookie bars

Serving Suggestions

Slice into small squares for lunch boxes or larger rectangles for dessert Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat Sometimes I wrap them individually for party favors

A Little History

Bar cookies like these became popular in American kitchens in the 1950s when boxed baking mixes became household staples The addition of branded candies like Reece’s Pieces reflects that timeless love for color and crunch in crowd pleasing desserts

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring swap in pastel candies for a festive look During winter top with red and green candies for holiday trays In fall crumble in some chopped peanuts for a salty twist

Success Stories

I once brought a batch of these to my neighbor’s barbecue Their teenager who claimed to hate cake went back for seconds and asked for the recipe It is one of those recipes that makes you the most popular person at any gathering

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let your bars cool completely before slicing then freeze on a baking sheet Once frozen seal in bags Add a sheet of wax paper between layers to keep the tops looking perfect They thaw quickly on the counter or in a lunchbox

These bars are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Make a double batch and watch them disappear!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can substitute yellow cake mix with chocolate or white cake mix for a different base flavor.

→ Should the butter be salted or unsalted?

Both work, but unsalted butter lets you better control the sweetness and saltiness of the bars.

→ How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges will turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center will come out mostly clean.

→ Can I add extra mix-ins like nuts?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips can be added for more texture.

→ How should these bars be stored?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and fresh.