As the crisp air turns cooler and leaves begin to fall, there’s an undeniable magic that envelops our kitchens. It’s the perfect time to embrace the flavor of the season with these delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars. Incorporating the warm, cozy essence of pumpkin into the familiar comfort of chocolate chip cookies, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick and easy fall dessert. The best part? No complicated steps here! Using a prepackaged cookie mix, you can whip up these decadent bars in no time, making them ideal for those busy weeks when you still want to treat yourself or loved ones. Ready to elevate your dessert game this autumn? Let’s dive into the simple joy of baking these irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars! Why Are These Bars So Irresistible? Moist, Chewy Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and chocolate chip cookie mix yields a soft, thick texture that’s downright addictive. Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal steps, you’ll have these cookie bars ready to enjoy in no time. Fall-Inspired Flavor: Warm spices and luscious chocolate make every bite a cozy celebration of autumn. Crowd Pleaser: These bars are perfect for gatherings or simply satisfying a sweet craving any day. Serve them alongside a warm drink, and you can’t go wrong! Discover more delightful fall treats with my easy recipes like these Chipotle Ranch Grilled delights that complement your dessert spread beautifully. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Ingredients For the Cookie Base Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix – The foundation of these bars, offering sweetness and structure; opt for a gluten-free mix for dietary accommodations. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Providing a rich chocolate flavor; feel free to swap with dark or milk chocolate for varying sweetness. Flour – Adds the necessary slight structure; crucial even with the cookie mix—no substitutions needed. For Flavor Enhancements Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses the bars with aromatic fall flavors; if unavailable, pumpkin spice extract works wonderfully. Pumpkin Puree – Acts as a binding agent to impart moisture and flavor; you can hit refresh with applesauce for a lower-calorie alternative. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Step 1: Prepare the Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a non-stick brownie pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This will ensure your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars come out easily and don’t stick to the pan. Set the prepared pan aside while you mix the ingredients, allowing you to move smoothly to the next step. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate chip cookie mix, ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, flour, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir these dry ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout. This mixture creates the flavorful base for your pumpkin bars, blending that rich chocolate taste with the warm fall spices. Step 3: Incorporate the Pumpkin Now, add the pumpkin puree to your dry mixture and mix until a smooth, thick dough forms. If you find the dough is too tough to mix with a spoon, using your hands will make this process easier and more effective. The pumpkin puree will add moisture and context to the dough, creating that luscious texture you’ll love in your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars. Step 4: Spread the Dough Carefully spread the dough evenly in your prepared brownie pan, making sure to get into all corners for uniform baking. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary. Once your dough is evenly distributed, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, allowing them to melt and create a delightful chocolate layer as they bake. Step 5: Bake the Bars Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–27 minutes. You’ll know your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are done when the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as they approach the end of the baking time for the best results. Step 6: Cool and Slice Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the bars to set and makes slicing easier. After cooling, use a clean knife to cut the bars into squares, wiping the knife between cuts to maintain neat edges. Serve them warm for the ultimate treat! What to Serve with Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Indulge in a delightful mix of flavors and textures to elevate your autumn dessert experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced bars. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A touch of sweet caramel brings a luxurious finish that enhances the pumpkin and chocolate combination. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture, balancing the dense, chewy bars beautifully. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the bars, making them a perfect companion. Fall Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of apples, pears, and pomegranate offers a crisp, juicy contrast, brightening your dessert experience. Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a comforting pairing that wraps you in fall’s warmth. Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea resonate with the pumpkin pie spice in the bars, crafting a harmonious and soothing sip. These combinations will create a wonderfully comforting experience, perfect for gatherings or simply savoring at home. Expert Tips for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Mixing Technique: Use your hands: Mixing with your hands can help incorporate the thick dough better, ensuring all ingredients are well blended for delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars. Cutting Suggestions: Wipe the knife: To achieve clean cuts and prevent tearing, wipe your knife between each slice of the bars, maintaining their wonderful texture. Perfect Cooling: Allow to cool: Patience is key! Letting the bars cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan will make slicing much easier and prevent them from falling apart. Ingredient Quality: Choose quality chocolate: Using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips enhances the overall flavor of your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, creating a richer experience. Storage Tips: Keep them fresh: Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days to maintain their moistness. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Variations Feel free to make these bars your own with a few simple tweaks that add a personal touch to the recipe. Dairy-Free: Substitute chocolate chips with dairy-free versions for a vegan-friendly option. Each bite will still satisfy your cravings without the dairy. Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the mix for a crunchy texture that complements the chewy bars beautifully. The nuts not only enhance the flavor but also add a satisfying crunch. Extra Spicy: Amp up the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cayenne or a splash of vanilla extract. This little kick will create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bars, making them truly unique. Fruity Twist: Mix in half a cup of dried cranberries or raisins for an added burst of flavor and chewiness. This will keep your bars exciting and give a fresh taste that contrasts with the chocolate. White Chocolate Wonder: Swap out semi-sweet chips for creamy white chocolate chips for a sweeter take on these bars. This will create a deliciously sweet bar that’s perfect for those with a serious sweet tooth. Pumpkin Spice Extract: If you want to enhance the pumpkin flavor, consider swapping the traditional pumpkin pie spice with a pumpkin spice extract. This creates a deeper, more concentrated flavor that’s perfect for the season. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie mix, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delightful treats. They’ll taste just as delicious and moist, regardless of dietary restrictions. Satisfy Your Flavor Cravings: Looking for a wholesome twist? Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. The salty-sweet combination creates an irresistible flavor balance that leaves you wanting more. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients while baking these bars—imagine pairing these with a hot cup of coffee, or serving them at your next gathering with friends! Want more comforting recipes? Check out my Chipotle Ranch Grilled chicken burritos for a delicious meal that complements your sweet treats perfectly! Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, spread the chilled dough into the prepared pan, sprinkle with chocolate chips, and bake as directed. Additionally, you can slice the cooled bars and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate. Just reheat slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste, ensuring they remain just as delicious as the day they were made! How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Room Temperature: Keep your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature to maintain their delightful moisture. Fridge: For extended freshness, store the bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps preserve their flavor and texture. Freezer: You can freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe pumpkin puree? Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, opt for products labeled as 100% pure pumpkin. If using fresh pumpkins, look for ones that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a rich orange color. Ideally, they should feel smooth, with no dark spots or blemishes. For a homemade version, bake the pumpkin until soft, scoop out the flesh, and puree for the best flavor. What is the best way to store my bars? It’s very easy! Store your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just ensure they’re covered to maintain that delightful chewy texture. Can I freeze these bars for later? Absolutely! To freeze your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, make sure they are completely cooled. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and pop them in the microwave for a warm treat! What should I do if my bars are too crumbly? If your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are too crumbly, it could be due to insufficient moisture from the pumpkin or an excess of flour. Next time, ensure your pumpkin puree is moist and pack it gently into the measuring cup to avoid over-measuring. If you find yourself with crumbly bars after baking, try to serve them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce to enhance their richness! What should I know about dietary restrictions? For those with dietary restrictions, no worries! You can easily adapt this recipe by using a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie mix, which is widely available. Additionally, if you or your guests have nut allergies, simply leave out any nuts you might consider adding as a variation. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they’re free from allergens and enjoy a safe baking experience. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars That'll Make Your Fall Sweeter Enjoy the delightful flavors of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, the perfect fall dessert incorporating pumpkin into a chocolatey treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 27 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 52 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 box Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix Opt for gluten-free for dietary accommodations.1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Can be swapped with dark or milk chocolate.0.5 cup Flour Essential even with the cookie mix.For Flavor Enhancements1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice Pumpkin spice extract works as a substitute.1 cup Pumpkin Puree Applesauce can be used for a lower-calorie alternative. Equipment Ovenmixing bowlBrownie Panspatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip BarsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a non-stick brownie pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray.Combine the chocolate chip cookie mix, ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, flour, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl.Add the pumpkin puree to the dry mixture and mix until a smooth, thick dough forms.Spread the dough evenly in your prepared brownie pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.Bake for 25–27 minutes, until edges pull away from the sides and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then slice into squares and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesMixing the dough with your hands can help with the thick consistency. Allow bars to cool for easier slicing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
