Print

Easy Soft Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

pumpkin spice sugar cookie bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These Soft Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Bars give you everything you love about a classic sugar cookie—that tender, buttery texture—but with all the cozy fall flavors we crave. No chilling dough, no rolling, no cutting out shapes—just mix, spread, and bake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk, if needed to adjust consistency

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. It should look like wet sand. Let the butter cool for a minute or two if needed.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated. The mixture will look a little thick and glossy.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. A few small lumps are fine.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. The batter will be thick—almost like a soft dough. Use your spatula to spread it all the way to the corners. Wetting the spatula slightly can help it glide more smoothly.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 18 minutes. The center should spring back slightly when touched.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial—if you frost them while warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.
  9. For the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Increase to medium speed and beat until fluffy, about 2 more minutes.
  11. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
  12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish, or leave it rustic with swirls and swoops.
  13. Optional: Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top for a pretty finish.
  14. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set the frosting before cutting into squares. Use the parchment handles to lift the whole block out of the pan, then slice with a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat squares.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough bars. Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling. Room temperature ingredients are important for the frosting. Check for doneness early (at 18 minutes). Let bars cool completely before frosting. Frosting can be made up to two days in advance. Bars can be frozen unfrosted or frosted for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice, sugar cookie bars, fall dessert, easy cookie bars, pumpkin dessert, cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/easy-soft-pumpkin-spice-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/