These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are soft, chewy and full of warming spices. A cross between sheet cake and cookies with a moist texture that are ready in under 30 minutes!
Not sure if you want cookies or cake? Why not try cookie bars!
These Pumpkin Cookie Bars are everything I love about fall in a single bite-soft, chewy, and spiced with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Topped off with pockets of melted chocolate, they strike the perfect balance between cozy and sweet.
They're a great alternative to traditional cookies when you're in the mood for something a bit different, and they come together in just one bowl with minimal fuss.
For me, this recipe is a go-to during pumpkin season. Once you've made these, you'll see how easy it is to tweak the recipe and add your own touches.
These bars pair beautifully with a cup of coffee in the morning, or as a sweet snack any time of day.
If you're in the mood to share, they're also perfect for potlucks and gatherings since they slice up easily and travel well.
For more desserts, be sure to try Peanut Butter M&M Cookies, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, Lorna Doone Cookies or Mrs. Fields Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cookie bars are simpler to make than cookies since you don't have to scoop them all individually onto a cookie sheet.
- A kid-friendly recipe.
- They have a texture that's a cross between cake and cookie.
- The pumpkin and pumpkin spice makes them perfect for Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and wintertime.
- The batter is super easy to make: just beat the wet ingredients, sift in the dry, stir in the chocolate chips, spread into a pan and bake!
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients for these incredible pumpkin cookie bars!
- Pumpkin Puree: Just the regular puree in the can, not pumpkin pie filling. You can also make your own homemade pumpkin puree.
- Butter: For best results, use room temperature butter.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar works perfectly.
- Egg: To help bind the ingredients.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour adds structure to the cookie bars.
- Baking soda and salt: To help get the right rise and balance flavors.
- Pumpkin pie spice: For a classic Fall flavor.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds a sweet warming flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Use regular semi-sweet chocolate chips or swap to white chocolate or butterscotch.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Bar recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Add the butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl and cream with an electric mixer for 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, pumpkin puree and vanilla and beat again (the mixture may separate slightly, but don't worry, it will come together with the flour).
Sift the flour, spices, baking soda and salt into the pumpkin mixture and gently mix to combine completely (do not beat).
Stir in the chocolate chips gently.
Pour the batter into a lined pan and spread it out.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden!
Allow to cool in the pan, then remove and cut into pumpkin bars or squares.
Variations
- Try making your own homemade pumpkin spice.
- Swap the pumpkin spice for chai spice, or just ground cinnamon.
- Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips.
Storage and Freezing
Once cooled, these Pumpkin Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you'd like to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to a month. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to get that freshly-baked taste back.
Recipe Tips
- Don't Overbake: Don't overcook the cookie bars or they will become more cake-like. You want them very slightly underdone so it all collapses a little when it cools.
- Don't overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don't skip the parchment: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out and slice them cleanly.
FAQs
Not unless they have cream cheese or whipped topping. These cookie bars can be kept in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days.
Yes, but make sure it's well-drained, as homemade puree can be a bit watery.
📖 Recipe
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13-inch pan
Ingredients
- 8 oz unsalted butter (1 cup), at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with baking parchment paper.
- Add the butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl and cream with an electric mixer for 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, pumpkin puree and vanilla and beat again (the mixture may separate slightly, but don't worry, it will come together with the flour).
- Sift the flour, spices, baking soda and salt into the pumpkin mixture and gently mix to combine completely (do not beat). Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly to the edges.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden, the edges pull away slightly and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan, then remove and cut into pumpkin bars or squares.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Lisa says
Brought these to work to share with coworkers and they got rave reviews! Will make again!
Dana says
Loved these pumpkin bars! They didn't last long in our house, glad to know I can easily make more.
Marsha says
These were absolutely delicious! So easy to make too.