Brown Butter Funfetti Cake Mix Cookie Bars
These easy cookie bars combine the nostalgic flavor of funfetti cake mix with the rich, nutty taste of brown butter for a chewy, colorful treat that’s perfect for parties, bake sales, or any celebration. Quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re the ultimate fuss-free dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) funfetti cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, browned
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (55g) rainbow sprinkles, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup (45g) white chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the sides if desired.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly as it foams and bubbles. After 4-6 minutes, when brown specks form and a nutty aroma develops, remove from heat. Pour into a heat-safe bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
- Fold in the cake mix and salt with a sturdy spatula. The dough will be thick.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles and any optional add-ins (white chocolate chips, toasted pecans). Save a few sprinkles for topping. If the dough seems dry, add 1-2 tablespoons milk or water until combined.
- Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Scatter extra sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 22–26 minutes, until edges are set and golden but the center is still a little soft. Do not overbake.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment to lift out the bars. Slice into 20–24 squares.
- Serve warm for gooey bars or let cool completely for cleaner slices.
Notes
Watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning. Use jimmies for sprinkles to prevent color bleeding. For gluten-free bars, use a gluten-free cake mix and check your sprinkles. Do not overbake; bars firm up as they cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24 of recipe)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Protein: 3
Keywords: funfetti, cookie bars, cake mix, brown butter, party dessert, easy dessert, birthday, bake sale, chewy bars, colorful treats