If you’re searching for the ultimate fall treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin with the irresistible comfort of chocolate chips, look no further! These incredibly easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are a dream come true for anyone who loves baking but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just five simple ingredients and less than 40 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these ooey-gooey, perfectly spiced dessert bars that will instantly become a seasonal favorite.
Irresistible 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Your Easiest Fall Dessert
Embrace the cozy spirit of autumn with a dessert that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar, rich with pumpkin flavor, studded with melty chocolate chips, and infused with aromatic pumpkin pie spice. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars deliver all that and more, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or simply a sweet indulgence for yourself and your loved ones. Forget complicated recipes and long ingredient lists; this recipe champions minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Easy Pumpkin Bars
There’s a reason these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are a fan favorite year after year. Their winning combination of convenience and incredible taste sets them apart:
- Effortless Simplicity: Boasting only 5 core ingredients, this recipe streamlines your baking process, making it perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time.
- Quick Turnaround: From mixing bowl to oven, and then cooling for just a moment, you can have these bars ready to enjoy in under an hour, including baking time.
- Perfect Autumnal Flavors: The classic pairing of pumpkin and chocolate, enhanced by warming pumpkin pie spice, creates a taste that embodies the very essence of fall. They strike a perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and earthy notes.
- Delightful Texture: These bars are incredibly soft, moist, and chewy, with a delightful “ooey-gooey” quality from the melted chocolate chips. They’re a comforting texture experience with every bite.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, serving them at a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying them as an after-dinner treat, these bars are universally loved and guaranteed to disappear fast.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing a chocolate chip cookie mix as a base keeps costs down while delivering consistent results. It’s an economical way to enjoy homemade goodness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
The magic of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach to ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating these delectable bars. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix: This is your shortcut to deliciousness. You’ll need a standard-sized dry mix, typically around 17.5 ounces, not pre-made dough. Using a mix ensures consistent flavor and texture with minimal effort. While many brands work wonderfully, a classic like Betty Crocker Cookie Mix is a reliable choice. If you only have a sugar cookie mix on hand, you can absolutely use it, but be sure to add extra chocolate chips (start with at least ½ cup) to compensate for those missing from the original mix.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The cornerstone of any great chocolate chip dessert. Semi-sweet chips offer a balanced sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin flavor. However, feel free to experiment! Dark chocolate morsels will give a richer, more intense chocolate experience, while milk chocolate chips provide a sweeter, creamier bite. For an adventurous twist, consider white chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, or even mini chocolate chips for a more even distribution throughout the bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: While it might seem counterintuitive to add flour to a cookie mix, it’s a vital component here. Pumpkin puree introduces a significant amount of moisture, making the dough very soft. The added all-purpose flour helps to absorb this extra moisture, providing structure and ensuring your bars hold their shape beautifully after baking. Without it, your bars might turn out too cake-like or crumbly.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This fragrant blend is key to achieving that quintessential fall flavor. Store-bought pumpkin pie spice is convenient and readily available. If you prefer a fresher, customizable blend, you can easily make your own with a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the quantity to your preference – a little more can enhance the warmth and aroma.
- Pumpkin Puree: This is where the rich pumpkin flavor and incredibly moist texture come from. It is crucial to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. These two products are often placed side-by-side in grocery stores but are very different. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which would drastically alter the sweetness, spice level, and overall texture of your bars. Pure pumpkin provides the natural, earthy pumpkin taste. As an interesting alternative, sweet potato puree can also be used for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Making these delightful bars is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding baking experience:
Preparation is Key
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even baking from the start.
- Next, prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan. Spray the pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. For easier removal and cleaner slices, line the prepared pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to create “handles.” The nonstick spray helps the parchment paper adhere to the pan, preventing it from shifting while you press the dough. Alternatively, you can secure the parchment paper with binder clips on the edges of the pan.
Mixing Your Delicious Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the contents of the chocolate chip cookie mix, ½ cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, the all-purpose flour, and the pumpkin pie spice. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are well blended and uniformly distributed. This ensures all flavors are integrated before the wet ingredients are added.
- Now, add the pumpkin puree to the dry mixture. Stir well, using a sturdy spatula or spoon. At first, the mixture might appear quite dry and crumbly, making you think it won’t come together. Don’t worry! Keep mixing and stirring with determination. As you continue, the pumpkin puree will fully hydrate the dry ingredients, transforming into a thick, cohesive, and wonderfully sticky dough. If needed, don’t hesitate to use your clean hands to knead the mixture briefly in the bowl; this can sometimes be the easiest way to ensure everything is perfectly combined.
Baking to Golden Perfection
- Transfer the thick, sticky dough into your prepared 9×9-inch baking pan. Use a spatula, the back of a spoon, or even your hands (which often work best for this sticky dough) to press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, reaching all corners. Ensure the surface is as flat and uniform as possible for consistent baking.
- Once the dough is evenly spread, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips over the top. This not only adds extra chocolatey goodness but also creates an appealing visual finish.
- Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 23 to 28 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean (with no wet batter attached, a few moist crumbs are fine), and the top of the bars gently springs back when lightly tapped, they are ready. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars.
Cooling and Serving
- Allow the baked bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before attempting to cut them. This crucial cooling period allows the bars to set properly, making them much easier to slice into neat squares without crumbling.
- Once cooled slightly, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into squares of your desired size, then serve and enjoy your homemade autumnal treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! While a chocolate chip cookie mix is recommended for ultimate ease, you can certainly experiment with others. A sugar cookie mix is a great alternative. Since sugar cookie mixes typically don’t include chocolate chips, you’ll want to add extra to your dough – we suggest starting with at least ½ cup of chocolate chips to ensure a good chocolatey distribution. Keep in mind that using a different mix might result in a slightly different texture than the original recipe, but it will still yield delicious results.
Yes, the pumpkin puree is a non-negotiable ingredient for these bars. It is absolutely essential for both the signature pumpkin flavor and the incredibly soft, moist texture that makes these bars so delightful. Always ensure you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, containing additional ingredients that will significantly alter the taste, sweetness, and consistency of your bars, preventing them from turning out as intended. The distinct moistness and authentic pumpkin taste come directly from pure pumpkin.
These bars are incredibly versatile and welcome various delicious additions! Feel free to customize the dessert bar mixture with any of these ideas:
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds can add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots offer a chewy texture and a burst of tartness or sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Candy Pieces: M&M’s, toffee bits, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or other small candy pieces can introduce new flavors and textures, making each bite an exciting surprise.
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, a sprinkle of shredded coconut can be a delightful addition.
Proper storage ensures your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars stay fresh and delicious. Here are a few options:
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy.
- Refrigerator: For extended freshness, place the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Chilling them can make them slightly denser and firmer, which some people prefer.
- Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then let them come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Delicious Variations and Customizations
While these pumpkin chocolate chip bars are perfect as is, there are endless ways to make them uniquely yours. Get creative with these delicious variations:
- Frosting Fun: Once completely cooled, spread a layer of luscious cream cheese frosting over the top for an extra decadent treat. A simple cinnamon glaze or a drizzle of caramel sauce would also be fantastic.
- Nutty Crunch: In addition to the chopped nuts mentioned in the FAQ, consider adding toasted pecans or walnuts directly into the dough for an added layer of texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you love a bolder spice profile, increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice slightly, or add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for more warmth. A tiny dash of cayenne pepper can also introduce a subtle, intriguing heat.
- Chocolate Varieties: Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet! Try a mix of white chocolate and milk chocolate chips, or use a combination of dark chocolate and butterscotch chips for a complex flavor profile.
- Mini Marvels: Instead of making a full pan of bars, press the dough into a mini muffin tin for bite-sized pumpkin chocolate chip delights, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Toasted Marshmallow Topping: For an extra special presentation, top the bars with mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking, or toast them lightly under the broiler after baking for a gooey, golden finish.
More Autumnal Delights to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with these easy pumpkin chocolate chip bars, you’ll surely enjoy these other delicious recipes perfect for the fall season and beyond:
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake
- Pumpkin Cake Bars
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Edible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Dough
- The Best Pumpkin Pie
- Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- Frosted Soft Pumpkin Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
- Scotcheroos
The Complete Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
If you adore the comforting flavors of pumpkin and chocolate, these incredibly easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are an absolute must-try! Made with only 5 simple ingredients, these soft, chewy, and gooey bars come together effortlessly, making them the perfect stress-free dessert for any fall occasion.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 28 minutes | Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 (17.5 ounce) bag chocolate chip cookie mix (dry mix)
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided use
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and then lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting. (The parchment paper makes lifting, slicing, and serving much simpler.)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate chip cookie mix, ½ cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, all-purpose flour, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Add the pumpkin puree to the mixture. Stir vigorously until a smooth, thick, and sticky dough forms. It might seem dry at first, but keep mixing; it will come together. You can even use your clean hands to knead it briefly if necessary to ensure it’s well combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it to all corners. Using a spatula or your hands can help create an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips over the top of the dough.
- Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top gently bounces back when lightly tapped.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper handles. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Please refer to the FAQs and ingredient list above for detailed substitutions or answers to common questions.
- For a cleaner, more uniform appearance when cutting the bars, wipe your knife blade clean between each cut.
- Store any leftover dessert bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, in the fridge for up to a week, or individually wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before bringing to room temperature to enjoy.
Course: Dessert | Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information
Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 34mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe? Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!