Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars
These delectable Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars are perfect for cozy nights and satisfying cravings. The recipe, crafted from pantry staples on a restless evening, results in soft, chewy bars that are lightly sweetened, allowing the warm flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to shine. The combination of wholesome oats, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans makes each bite a delightful treat. With a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them ideal for sharing or enjoying as a special treat for yourself. The flexibility of the recipe means you can adjust the sweetness to your liking—perfect for those who prefer a milder dessert!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking mix
2 cups (dry)
quick oats
1 cup (dry)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
chocolate chips
1 cup (dry)
pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon (divided) (dry)
packed pumpkin
1 (15 ounce) can (pureed)
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
1 cup (liquid)
sugar
3/4 cup (dry)
toasted chopped pecans
1 cup (chopped)
powdered sugar
for dusting (dry)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the baking mix, quick oats, baking powder, chocolate chips, and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
3
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the packed pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, egg, milk, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Gently stir the toasted chopped pecans into the wet ingredients.
5
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and fold everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
6
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
Once cool, slice the bars width-wise into 1/2-inch strips and then cut them in half length-wise for bite-sized cookie bars.
9
Place the cookie bars evenly on baking sheets and bake them again for an additional 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
11
Allow the bars to cool completely before enjoying your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars?
They are soft, chewy, and lightly sweetened bars featuring pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, oats, chocolate chips, and pecans.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total including pantry staples like baking mix, oats, and pumpkin.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan should I use?
This recipe requires a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, you should grease the 9x13-inch baking pan before adding the batter.
What type of oats should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of quick oats.
How much pumpkin pie spice is needed?
You will need a total of 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, which is used in both the dry and wet mixtures.
What kind of pumpkin should I buy?
You should use one 15-ounce can of packed pumpkin puree.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of toasted chopped pecans.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, usually after 25 minutes of initial baking.
What is the secret to the texture of these bars?
The recipe uses a double-bake method, where the bars are sliced and then baked again for 10-15 minutes to reach the perfect consistency.
How should I slice the cookie bars?
Slice them width-wise into 1/2-inch strips and then cut those in half length-wise to create bite-sized pieces.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the bars?
Yes, the recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust the 3/4 cup of sugar to your preference.
What is the final topping for the bars?
The bars are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar after the second bake.
Do I need to beat the egg?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one beaten egg.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of milk.
What dry ingredients are mixed first?
The baking mix, quick oats, baking powder, chocolate chips, and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice are blended first.
When do I add the pecans?
The toasted chopped pecans should be stirred into the wet ingredients before combining with the dry ingredients.
Should I worry about overmixing?
Yes, you should fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to avoid overmixing.
How long should the bars cool before slicing?
They should cool in the pan for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How much chocolate chips are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chocolate chips.
What is the preparation for the pecans?
The pecans should be both toasted and chopped before being added to the batter.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a dessert and a snack, specifically a fall-themed recipe.
Is baking powder necessary if I use a baking mix?
Yes, the recipe calls for an additional 1 teaspoon of baking powder to ensure the proper rise.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of standard dry sugar.
Can these bars be shared easily?
Yes, the recipe suggests cutting them into bite-sized cookie bars, making them ideal for sharing.
How long is the second bake time?
The second bake time is between 10 and 15 minutes.
Are the bars soft or crunchy?
They are described as soft and chewy, with a slight crunch from the pecans.
What gives the bars their warm flavor?
The combination of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice provides the warm, cozy flavor profile.
Should the powdered sugar be added to hot bars?
The recipe suggests letting them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.