Name: The Best Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 8 oz. cream cheese, softened (for the frosting); ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for the frosting); 3 cups powdered sugar (for the frosting); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting); ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for the frosting)

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When autumn whispers through the air, there’s nothing more comforting than the warm aroma of pumpkin, sugar, and spice filling your kitchen. These Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Bars bring all the cozy flavors of the season into a soft, chewy, frosted delight that will quickly become your go-to fall dessert. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and irresistibly delicious.

🛒 For the Cookie Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

🛒 For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This ensures your bars won’t stick and makes slicing a breeze.

2️⃣ Make the Cookie Dough Base
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color (about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer). Beat in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

3️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the bars soft and tender.

4️⃣ Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the center set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

5️⃣ Prepare the Frosting
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Continue beating until light, fluffy, and spreadable.

6️⃣ Frost and Serve
Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the surface. Slice into 16 squares or rectangles and serve. Each bite delivers a rich, spiced pumpkin base topped with silky cream cheese frosting.

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
🔥 Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
🍽️ Servings: 16

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Bars are already a crowd-pleaser, but you can elevate them even further with simple variations. Try adding a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the dough before baking. These extras bring delightful bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.

For a fun twist, swap out the classic cream cheese frosting for maple cream cheese frosting by adding 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. This adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.

If you’d like a lighter option, skip the frosting altogether and dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple cinnamon glaze. It makes them less indulgent but still just as tasty.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect as a dessert centerpiece for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or a casual weekend treat with family. Serve them on a rustic platter for a cozy, seasonal touch.

Pair them with a steaming cup of spiced latte, chai tea, or hot apple cider. The rich cream cheese frosting complements warm drinks perfectly, turning your afternoon snack into a comforting ritual.

For an indulgent dessert, serve chilled pumpkin sugar cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. The contrast of creamy cold ice cream against soft spiced bars is pure autumn bliss.

Storing Tips

Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Bars store wonderfully, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting stays fresh, and the bars retain their soft texture.

If you prefer them at room temperature, store them frosted in a sealed container on the counter for up to 2 days. Just note that cream cheese frosting softens more quickly outside the fridge.

For long-term storage, freeze unfrosted bars. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then frost fresh before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth, and drain any excess liquid so the batter doesn’t become too watery.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely. Simply bake the bars in a larger sheet pan, and adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on doneness by testing with a toothpick.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the bars will still taste delicious.