Description

Creating special memories with grandchildren is one of life’s most cherished experiences, especially when it involves baking together. Your choice of Reece’s Pieces chocolate chip cookie bars is a delightful treat that combines the ease of preparation with the joy of sharing something sweet and homemade. This recipe is not just about making a dessert; it’s about crafting moments of togetherness and teaching valuable skills and the importance of creativity in the kitchen. Here’s a closer look at how this simple yet indulgent recipe can become a staple for grandparent-grandchild bonding moments.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box of yellow cake mix
1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups chocolate chips
1 small box of Reece’s Pieces

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready by the time your batter is mixed.
Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Stir these ingredients until well blended. The base of your cookie bars will be rich and moist, thanks to the butter and eggs, while the vanilla adds an extra layer of flavor.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chocolate chips not only add to the sweetness but also create a wonderful texture in every bite.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookie bars come out of the pan easily after baking.
Press the Batter into the Pan: Transfer the batter to your greased pan, spreading and pressing it into an even layer. The consistency will be thicker than a traditional cake batter, more akin to cookie dough.
Add Reece’s Pieces: Sprinkle the Reece’s Pieces over the top of the batter, pressing them in slightly. This not only adds a pop of color but also introduces the iconic peanut butter flavor that pairs so well with chocolate.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center should be set but still soft.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookie bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This waiting period is essential for the bars to set properly, making them easier to slice.

Notes

Baking with grandchildren offers more than just the end result of a delicious treat. It’s an opportunity to pass down culinary skills, share stories, and instill a love for cooking. Each step of the recipe, from mixing the batter to pressing it into the pan, can be a teaching moment, showing the younger generation the joys of creating something from scratch.