Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookie Bars Recipe

The Coziest Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookie Bars Recipe Ever

Autumn whispers magic through these delightful snickerdoodle pumpkin cookie bars that blend comfort and nostalgia.

Soft, warm spices dance across a perfectly textured treat perfect for crisp afternoons.

Cinnamon swirls promise pure baking bliss with every incredible bite.

Cozy kitchen vibes emerge as sweet aromas fill your home.

Seasonal ingredients meld together in a rustic, inviting dessert.

Simple yet sophisticated, these bars deliver pure happiness on a plate.

Main Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for the soft and tender cookie bars.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening and texture.
Spices and Seasoning:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Warm spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich and tender texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the bars.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweet flavor.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture and signature pumpkin taste.
Topping:
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Provides sweet, spicy finishing touch to the bars.

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Powerhouse

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your dry team:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and looking smooth.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, unleash your mixing magic. Blend until super fluffy:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pumpkin puree

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a dreamy, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly fold your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 5: Prepare for Baking Bliss

Spread your batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle a delightful layer of cinnamon sugar across the top for that extra touch of magic.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick – if it comes out clean, you’re golden! Let the bars cool completely before slicing into delectable squares.

  • Perfect Pumpkin Puree Swap: Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree, ensuring it's smooth and free from excess moisture for the best texture.
  • Adjust Sugar Balance: Reduce brown sugar by 2 tablespoons if using sweeter pumpkin varieties to prevent overly sweet bars.
  • Spice Enhancement Trick: Toast ground cinnamon and nutmeg briefly in a dry pan before adding to the recipe to intensify their warm, rich flavors.
  • Storage Secret: Wrap cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping them moist and fresh.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these bars suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Place cooled cookie bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
  • Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring bars remain covered to prevent drying out.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or place in preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.

Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bars Flavor Matches

  • Pair Seasonal Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Complement the warm cinnamon and pumpkin flavors with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider, enhancing the cookie bars' autumnal essence.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Bourbon Cream: Drizzle a rich vanilla bean bourbon cream over the bars, adding depth and smoothness that perfectly balances the cookie's spicy profile.
  • Match Salted Caramel Latte: Enjoy a salted caramel latte alongside these bars, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and warming fall-inspired tastes.
  • Highlight Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Top the bars with a scoop of maple pecan ice cream, introducing a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cookie texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour mix for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the soft, tender texture.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based while keeping the classic snickerdoodle flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Swap regular flour with almond flour, use a sugar substitute like erythritol, and reduce pumpkin quantity to lower carbohydrate content while preserving the warm spice notes.
  • Nut-Free Variation: Use sunflower seed flour as an alternative to almond flour for those with nut allergies, maintaining the same rich, tender bar texture and seasonal pumpkin spice flavor.

FAQs

  • Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookie Bars are vegetarian-friendly and contain no meat or animal-based proteins.

  • Can I substitute the egg in this recipe?

You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer to make the recipe egg-free.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done baking.

  • Is it necessary to use fresh pumpkin puree?

No, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly well and is actually recommended for consistent texture and moisture in the recipe.

  • Whip Up Effortless Comfort: These pumpkin bars require minimal prep and basic ingredients, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Cozy Fall Flavor Explosion: Combining classic snickerdoodle warmth with pumpkin's rich, seasonal taste creates an irresistible treat that screams autumn indulgence.
  • Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple mixing steps and fun cinnamon sugar topping make this recipe a delightful activity for children to join in and help create delicious memories.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Using a single baking dish means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy the sweet rewards without dreading post-baking kitchen chaos.
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Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookie Bars Recipe

Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookie Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Snickerdoodle pumpkin cookie bars deliver autumnal comfort with perfect cinnamon-spiced sweetness. Creamy pumpkin and classic cookie flavors merge into one irresistible dessert bar that will make fall gatherings deliciously memorable.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Sift together the dry components in a medium mixing bowl, blending flour, leavening agents, aromatic spices, and seasoning until uniformly combined.
  3. In a separate spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and brown sugar into a light, airy mixture using an electric mixer, incorporating the egg and vanilla extract until the texture becomes smooth and voluminous.
  4. Fold the pumpkin puree into the creamy butter mixture, stirring until the ingredients create a harmonious, consistent base.
  5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient combination into the moist mixture, gently folding until a cohesive batter forms without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
  7. Generously dust the top with a fragrant blend of cinnamon and sugar, ensuring complete coverage for a delectable caramelized finish.
  8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 22-26 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the edges turn golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps them set and develop a perfect texture.
  10. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into uniform squares and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing that prevents lumpy texture.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting brown sugar by one-third for lower-calorie option.
  • Store bars in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain moisture and soft consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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