Are you a devoted fan of both pumpkin and chocolate chips? If so, get ready to discover your new favorite fall dessert! These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just ideal; they’re utterly addictive. Infused with a subtle hint of cinnamon, these soft, comforting cookie bars are loaded with regular chocolate chips and generously topped with mini chocolate chips, making every bite a delightful experience. They are truly perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

If you’re looking for more delicious pumpkin creations to embrace the season, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes: Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Bars, Pumpkin Oat Chocolate Chip Bars, Ultimate Pumpkin Bars, Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, and this indulgent Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie.

Sheet Pan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: The Quintessential Fall Dessert

As the vibrant colors of autumn emerge and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the warm, inviting aroma of homemade treats baking in the oven. For many, fall signifies the return of pumpkin-flavored delights, and these Sheet Pan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the season. Imagine soft, chewy cookie bars, rich with the mellow sweetness of pumpkin and generously studded with gooey chocolate chips, filling your home with an irresistible scent. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating memories and embracing the cozy charm of autumn.

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookie bars are the ultimate fall indulgence. Their simplicity makes them an ideal choice for busy schedules, yet their exquisite flavor and delightful texture make them feel incredibly special. Why settle for individual cookies when you can effortlessly whip up a large batch on a sheet pan? This method is not only time-saving but also perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have plenty of delightful leftovers. Share them with friends, bring them to a family gathering, or simply savor them yourself with a warm cup of coffee or tea – they are guaranteed to bring smiles.

Beyond their incredible flavor, these pumpkin bars are remarkably easy to prepare. They don’t demand a long list of obscure ingredients, making them accessible for home bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the recipe offers fantastic flexibility; feel free to customize your batch with additional mix-ins like toasted nuts, a sprinkle of ginger, or a dash of nutmeg to truly make them your own. It’s an adaptable recipe that celebrates the versatility of pumpkin and chocolate in one irresistible bite.

Why These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

Our family, like many others, wholeheartedly adores the magical combination of pumpkin and chocolate chips, especially when baked into cookies. And now, these delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars have taken that love to an entirely new level. There’s a certain harmony when these two distinct flavors come together, creating a comforting treat that just makes the world feel a little bit better.

What makes this particular recipe stand out is its thoughtful balance. We’ve intentionally used a moderate amount of pumpkin puree. Our goal wasn’t just pumpkin; it was to create truly exceptional chocolate chip cookie bars with distinct pumpkin and spice flavors. This means the pumpkin complements the chocolate rather than overpowering it, allowing both stars of the show to shine through in every moist, tender bite. This careful balance results in a cookie bar that’s deeply flavorful without being excessively dense or cake-like, maintaining that perfect chewy cookie texture.

If you often find yourself with leftover pumpkin puree after making your favorite fall dishes, this recipe is an excellent solution. Beyond these incredible cookie bars, there are so many creative ways to utilize that delicious puree! Consider trying this cozy pumpkin bread, a classic pumpkin pie, a decadent pumpkin cake, delightful pumpkin French toast, or even a unique pumpkin lasagna dessert. The possibilities for enjoying pumpkin season are endless!

One of the greatest advantages of these delectable bars is their sheer simplicity. When you’re short on time, baking bars is significantly easier and quicker than scooping out dozens of individual cookies. There’s no need for meticulous shaping or multiple batches; simply spread the dough evenly into a pan and let your oven do the rest. It’s a hassle-free approach to baking that yields impressive results, perfect for when you need a delicious treat without all the fuss.

While I am undeniably a chocolate enthusiast, I’ve found that sometimes, too much chocolate can surprisingly detract from the nuanced flavor of pumpkin. It’s a delicate balance! For these particular bars, I wanted the pumpkin and spice notes to truly sing alongside the chocolate, rather than be overwhelmed. This is why I carefully adapted my tried-and-true Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, which has also been a massive hit in my Sheet Pan Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. The base provides that familiar, beloved cookie texture while perfectly complementing the fall flavors.

The aroma that fills your kitchen while these bars are baking is absolutely heavenly. It’s a warm, inviting scent of cinnamon, pumpkin, and melting chocolate that will draw everyone in. Make a batch and experience it for yourself – but be warned, inhaling too deeply might just make you impatient for the first bite!

Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Crafting these delectable cookie bars begins with gathering the right ingredients. High-quality components are key to achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: Ensure it’s measured correctly, ideally by weight or using the spoon-and-level method, to prevent dense bars.
• Baking soda: The essential leavening agent that helps the bars rise and achieve a soft chewiness.
• Salt: A crucial flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the other notes.
• Unsalted butter: At room temperature, this creates a smooth, creamy base and contributes to the rich flavor. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content.
• Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements pumpkin beautifully.
• Zulka Sugar or granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the classic cookie texture.
• Molasses or honey: A touch of either adds depth, moisture, and a subtle warmth to the flavor profile.
• Almond milk or regular milk: Helps to bring the dough together and achieve the right consistency.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, adding structure and richness to the cookie bars.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice of autumn, imparting its signature warm and aromatic flavor.
• Pumpkin puree: Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sugars that would alter the recipe’s balance.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a touch of classic sweetness. For the best results, opt for good-quality vanilla.
• Chocolate Chips: You’ll need one 12 oz. bag of Ghirardelli Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips mixed into the dough, plus an additional 1 cup of Ghirardelli Mini Chocolate Chips to sprinkle generously on top for that perfect finish. The combination of sizes adds visual appeal and varied texture.
• Optional flavor enhancers: For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, or cloves, or even a blend of pumpkin pie spices. Toasted chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) can also add a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of incredibly moist and flavorful pumpkin chocolate chip cookie bars that everyone will adore:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper, allowing for a 2-3 inch overhang on the sides. Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray for extra assurance against sticking. This overhang will make lifting the baked bars out of the pan much easier later.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the softened unsalted butter and both sugars (brown sugar and granulated sugar) for about 2 minutes. Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
3. Incorporate Pumpkin and Flavor: To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the pumpkin puree, molasses (or honey), almond milk (or regular milk), and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until all the wet ingredients are just blended and combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sifting these dry ingredients together ensures they are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking soda or salt in your finished bars.
5. Gently Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture. Mix on low speed until they are just incorporated. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough bars. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain. The dough will be thick and sticky.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: Pour the full bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough. Gently fold them in with a spatula, mixing only until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, avoid overmixing.
7. Spread the Dough Evenly: The cookie dough will be sticky, so this step requires a bit of technique. Drop spoonfuls of the sticky dough onto your prepared baking sheet. To spread it evenly into all corners of the pan, you can use an offset icing spatula (lightly sprayed with non-stick spray if desired) or even the back of a dinner spoon or knife. The goal is to achieve a consistent thickness across the entire pan for even baking.
8. Top with Mini Chocolate Chips: Once the dough is spread, generously sprinkle the additional cup of mini chocolate chips over the entire surface. These mini chips will melt beautifully and create an attractive, chocolatey top layer.
9. Bake to Perfection: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden, but the center should still look slightly soft. It’s vital not to over-bake these bars, as doing so can dry them out. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a moist, tender result.
10. Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the bars to cool fully in the pan is essential for them to set properly and for the pumpkin flavors to fully develop and infuse. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 3-4 dozen bars, depending on your desired size.
11. For a Smaller Batch (9×13-inch pan): If you prefer a smaller yield, simply halve all the ingredients in the recipe. The baking time will remain approximately the same (20-25 minutes), but always monitor for doneness.

Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

To keep your pumpkin cookie bars fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, but for extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, storing them in the refrigerator is recommended. Refrigerated bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining their moist texture and delightful flavor. For longer storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual bars or small batches tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a quick treat.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Achieving bakery-quality pumpkin chocolate chip cookie bars at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

• Ensure Consistent Dough Thickness: For perfectly even baking and a uniform texture across all your bars, it’s crucial that your dough layer is spread smoothly and consistently throughout the baking pan. If some areas are thicker than others, you might end up with some parts being under-baked and raw, while others are over-baked and dry. Take your time to gently spread the sticky dough, pushing it into all corners of the pan.
• Effortless Removal from the Pan: To simplify the removal process and ensure beautifully cut bars, always use parchment paper with a generous 2- to 3-inch overhang on the longer sides of your baking pan. Once the bars have cooled completely, you can simply grab the parchment paper edges and lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan. This technique not only prevents sticking but also makes cutting much neater and easier.
• Handle Sticky Batter with Ease: Cookie dough, especially one with pumpkin puree, can be quite sticky, and nobody enjoys that mess on their fingers! To spread the dough evenly without the sticky struggle, use an offset icing spatula. This tool, commonly used for frosting cakes, glides smoothly over the dough, helping you achieve a uniform layer with minimal fuss. Lightly spraying the spatula with non-stick cooking spray can make this process even smoother.
• Achieve Clean, Crisp Edges When Cutting: For professional-looking bar cookies with neat edges, invest in a well-sharpened large chef’s knife. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. A warm knife (run under hot water and dried) can also help create cleaner cuts through the chocolate chips. Wipe the blade clean after every few cuts to prevent sticky residue.
• Invest in Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your pumpkin chocolate chip cookie bars will only be as good as the ingredients you put into them. Splurging on a good-quality vanilla extract, and premium chocolate chips, will elevate the taste significantly. These small upgrades make a big difference in the richness and depth of flavor.
• Do NOT Over-Bake: This is perhaps the most critical tip for moist, tender cookie bars. The bars will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven. Over-baking will result in dry, crumbly bars. Look for edges that are just barely golden and a center that appears set but still slightly soft. Allowing them to cool completely is also essential; the pumpkin flavor truly infuses and develops as the bars cool, delivering a fuller, more complex taste.
• Elevate with Toppings: To take your pumpkin cookie bars to an even more indulgent level, consider adding a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting once they are completely cooled. The tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and chocolate. Alternatively, a simple dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch and a subtle sweetness.

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful, festive treat that’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up, yet sophisticated enough to impress any guest. Whether you’re celebrating a special holiday, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a comforting snack, these bars are guaranteed to add a little sweetness to your day. So, go ahead, grab your apron, and get ready for a delightful, aromatic baking experience that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The enticing blend of pumpkin spice and rich chocolate makes these bars an unforgettable addition to any occasion.

These Sheet Pan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are also perfect for gifting. Package them beautifully in decorative tins or tie them with a festive ribbon, and you’ll instantly make friends and family very happy! Remember, if a full sheet pan batch is more than you need, you can easily halve the recipe to fit a smaller 9×13 inch pan.

More Delicious Treats You’ll Love!

Craving more delightful desserts? Explore these other tempting recipes from our collection:

• Thick & Chewy Chocolate M&M Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
• Peanut Butter Butterscotch Chip Cookies
• Oatmeal Peach Crumble Bars
• Ultimate Gooey Brownies
• Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Bread