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- 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - ½ cup packed brown sugar - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree These ingredients create a base for soft, chewy cookie bars. The rolled oats give texture, while the flour provides structure. Pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor. Brown sugar and granulated sugar blend sweetness with a hint of caramel. - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans - ½ cup chocolate chips Adding walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. Chocolate chips bring extra sweetness. You can mix and match these options to suit your taste. - Mixing bowls - Electric mixer - Baking pan (9x13 inch) - Whisk and spatula Having the right tools helps ensure your baking goes smoothly. The electric mixer makes creaming butter easy. A 9x13 inch pan is perfect for even baking. Use the whisk to blend dry ingredients well. A spatula helps you mix and spread the dough evenly. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature works great for baking cookie bars. Next, prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can grease it lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper. Lining makes it easy to lift out the bars later. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients well. This ensures that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the mix. In a separate bowl, cream ½ cup of softened butter with ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. An electric mixer on medium speed works best for this. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for making your cookie bars soft and chewy. Add one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mix. Stir until everything is nicely blended. Next, gently fold in 1 cup of pumpkin puree. This gives the bars their rich flavor and moist texture. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing. This can make your cookie bars tough, which we definitely don’t want! Pour the cookie dough into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly. Make sure to smooth the top for even baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Once done, let them cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. After they cool completely, cut them into squares or bars and enjoy! To make your pumpkin spice oatmeal cookie bars even better, consider adding some nuts or chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. If you want a sweeter touch, chocolate chips are a great choice. You can also swap regular flour for almond or oat flour for a gluten-free option. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk for moisture. Presentation matters! Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. You can drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra flavor. Serve these bars on a wooden platter to make them look rustic and inviting. Pair them with a warm drink like spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy experience. Sometimes bars can be too dry or too moist. If they are dry, try adding a splash of milk or more pumpkin puree next time. For bars that are too moist, bake them a bit longer. Keep an eye on them in the oven. They are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick comes out clean. Make sure to set a timer to avoid overbaking! {{image_4}} You can change the spices to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more pumpkin pie spice. If you want a kick, try adding some cinnamon or nutmeg. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can add a nice chewiness. You can also add citrus zest for a bright, fresh flavor. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal. Use a plant-based butter in place of regular butter. You can also opt for applesauce or mashed banana as substitutes. To make these bars gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour. Just ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. You can use other fall spices to enhance the flavor. Consider adding ginger or allspice for a warm touch. For the holidays, decorate the bars with icing or edible glitter. Adding nuts on top can give it a festive look too. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can also make these bars feel extra special. To keep your pumpkin spice oatmeal cookie bars fresh, choose the right container. I recommend using an airtight container. This will help keep moisture in and prevent them from drying out. You can also use plastic wrap for quick storage. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. To keep them fresh longer, store the bars at room temperature. Avoid sunlight and heat sources. A cool, dark spot works best. If you plan to eat them within a week, this method is perfect. If you want to save some for later, freezing is easy! First, let the cookie bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. After wrapping, place them in a freezer bag or container. Label the bag with the date. To thaw, simply take out a bar and let it sit at room temperature. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few seconds. This method keeps the taste and texture great. These cookie bars last about a week at room temperature. If you keep them in an airtight container, they will stay fresh longer. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy them for a month, freezing is the way to go. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your delicious treats! To check if your cookie bars are done, look for golden edges. The center should not jiggle. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready. This simple test ensures a perfect bake every time. Yes, you can substitute several ingredients. For flour, you can use whole wheat or almond flour. Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. You can skip the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. Each swap might change the flavor and texture a bit. These cookie bars go great with many drinks. Try serving them with warm apple cider or a hot cup of tea. Coffee also makes a wonderful match. For snacks, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge. Once baked, the bars last well in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. Enjoy them whenever! In summary, making pumpkin spice oatmeal cookie bars is both fun and tasty. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfection. You can play with flavors and adapt recipes for dietary needs. Don't forget to store them right for lasting freshness. Experiment with ideas from this post to create your perfect treat. Enjoy sharing and savoring these cookies with friends and family. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookie Bars with this easy recipe! Packed with rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and warm spices, these bars are perfect for fall. Whether you enjoy them with a warm drink or share them with loved ones, they’re sure to impress. Follow our simple steps to create these delightful treats that are both chewy and satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and bake a batch today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for a crunch)

½ cup chocolate chips (optional for a sweet twist)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by either greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookie bars are easy to remove once baked.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients until well blended, ensuring an even distribution of the spices.

      In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter along with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

        Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until these ingredients are fully blended.

          Gently fold in the pumpkin puree to the mixture, ensuring that the pumpkin is seamlessly integrated and the mixture is smooth.

            Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of your cookie bars.

              If you choose, fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips at this point, adding delightful texture and richness to your bars.

                Pour the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top to ensure even baking.

                  Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                    After baking, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

                      Once cooled, cut into squares or bars to serve. Enjoy these delightful treats with a warm beverage or share with friends and family!

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12-16

                          - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful display, serve the cookie bars on a rustic wooden platter. Lightly dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, and consider drizzling with caramel sauce for an extra flavor dimension!