🎃 Historical Overview
Sugar cookies have been a classic American favorite since the 1700s, loved for their simplicity and buttery flavor. As pumpkin gained popularity in fall baking, home bakers began infusing traditional sugar cookie dough with pumpkin puree and warm spices. The modern Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Bar is a time-saving twist on the original, combining the flavor of pumpkin pie with the soft texture of sugar cookies — all in one easy-to-slice dessert bar perfect for sharing.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bars 1x
Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, thick, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a smooth, sweet frosting, they’re everything you love about fall in one bite! Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, Halloween parties, or cozy fall baking days, these cookie bars are a no-fuss dessert that looks as good as it tastes. One batch makes enough for a crowd, and each bar melts in your mouth with buttery pumpkin sweetness.
Ingredients
-
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp salt
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
½ tsp nutmeg
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup brown sugar, packed
-
½ cup pumpkin puree
-
1 large egg
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
2 cups powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
Optional: a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for topping
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
-
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
-
Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
-
Spread dough evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top.
-
Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
-
For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
-
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars and slice into squares.
Notes
For thicker bars, use a smaller pan (8×11).
Chill the bars before cutting for clean edges.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor.
FAQ
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the bars a day in advance, store them unfrosted, and frost just before serving for the freshest texture.
2. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a half-sheet pan (13×18 inches). Adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes.
3. How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can also reduce powdered sugar slightly for a tangier, lighter flavor.
