Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats and crave the ultimate mash-up of peanut butter and chocolate, these Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the chewy richness of a classic cookie bar, but amped up with vibrant Reece’s Pieces candies and melty chocolate chips in every bite. Not only are these fun and eye-catching, but they’re also laughably easy to make — perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or an impromptu treat for your favorite sweet tooth. Plus, they always earn rave reviews wherever they go!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is how they transform a handful of simple pantry staples into something utterly irresistible. Each ingredient has a job to do — from flavor to texture to a splash of color, every bite is magic!

• Yellow cake mix: Acts as the base, delivering moistness and a sweet, buttery flavor with zero fuss.
• Melted butter: Adds richness and ensures these bars stay wonderfully soft — be sure to melt it for the smoothest batter.
• Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon rounds out the flavors and brings together the cookie bar magic.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and give structure to the bars, so they’re chewy but never crumbly.
• Chocolate chips: Provide gooey pools of chocolate in every bite; use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your mood.
• Reece’s Pieces: The star of the show, these candies bring crunchy peanut butter pops of color and flavor right on top.

How to Make Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Mix up your base batter

Start by combining your yellow cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs in a big mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to blend everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform. This shortcut base keeps things super simple but still creates a rich, cookie-like texture that’s a dream once baked.

Step 2: Add the chocolate chips

Fold in those chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step ensures that every single bite delivers some melty chocolate goodness, making these Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars extra indulgent. Don’t overmix — just enough to get the chips all around.

Step 3: Press into the pan

Grease your favorite 9×13-inch baking pan with a bit of butter or non-stick spray, then press the batter evenly into the pan using clean hands or the back of a spatula. The dough might be a little sticky so lightly greasing your fingers can help smooth it out.

Step 4: Top with Reece’s Pieces

Scatter the Reece’s Pieces candies all over the surface, gently pressing them in just enough so they “stick” to the batter. This colorful layer guarantees both a great look and those unforgettable peanut butter bursts right on top.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Slide your pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is just set. Don’t overbake! Pull them out while the middle still looks a little soft — they’ll firm up as they cool but remain chewy and irresistible.

How to Serve Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a festive touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or peanut butter over the cooled bars, or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving. If you want to lean into the fun, add a few extra Reece’s Pieces on top as they cool so they really pop with color.

Side Dishes

These bars play nicely with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For dessert spreads, set them out next to fresh fruit or a simple vanilla ice cream — the sweet and salty combo is out of this world!

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut these cookie bars into neat squares or chunky rectangles, then pile them up on a colorful platter. For bake sales or parties, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with a bit of string. Want to get fancy? Layer bite-sized squares into mini dessert cups with whipped cream for a playful parfait-style treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars have fully cooled, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, though they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you happen to have extras, these bars freeze like a dream. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. For best results, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy that “fresh-from-the-oven” magic, pop a bar into the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back a bit of that warm, gooey texture, and make the chocolate chips extra melty again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix yields the classic flavor, you can experiment with white, butter, or even chocolate cake mix for a fun twist on these Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Do Reece’s Pieces melt in the oven?

Reece’s Pieces hold up beautifully when baked. They keep their shape and vibrant colors, adding a little crunch and loads of peanut butter flavor on top of your bars.

Can I add nuts or swap the chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even switch out the chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate. It’s a great way to personalize your batch of Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

How do I know when the bars are done?

Keep an eye on the edges — they should look golden and slightly pulled away from the pan. The center should be just set but not dried out, for that perfect chewy texture.

Are these safe for peanut allergies?

Because of the Reece’s Pieces, these bars are not safe for those with peanut allergies. For a nut-free version, try swapping in M&Ms or another favorite candy and use nut-free chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about sharing a pan of homemade Reece’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with your favorite people. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat, but festive and flavorful enough for any celebration. I hope you give these a try soon — you just might find they disappear faster than you expect!

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