Cozy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe for Autumn Treats

Autumn’s golden hues inspire these delectable pumpkin oatmeal cookie bars that melt in your mouth with warmth and spice.

Soft, chewy textures blend perfectly with rich seasonal flavors that dance across your palate.

The comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful treat.

Wholesome oats provide a hearty base for these irresistible bars, while pumpkin adds a velvety smoothness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and depth that captures the essence of fall.

These bars offer a delicious twist on classic cookies, making them an ideal afternoon snack or dessert.

Bake a batch and savor the magic of homemade goodness that brings everyone together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18-22 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars

• Rolled Oats: Hearty foundation providing delightful texture and wholesome nutrition, choose organic for maximum flavor.
• White Whole Wheat Flour: Lighter alternative to traditional whole wheat, offering subtle nuttiness and nutritional boost.
• Coconut Sugar: Natural sweetener with caramel-like undertones, lower glycemic impact than refined sugar.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents creating soft, tender cookie bars with perfect rise.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm blend delivering cozy autumn essence, bringing complex aromatic layers.
• Salt: Tiny pinch enhancing overall flavor depth and balancing sweetness.

• Egg: Binding agent providing structure and richness to the bars.
• Cashew Butter: Creamy alternative adding smooth consistency and subtle nutty undertones.
• Pumpkin Puree: Seasonal star contributing moisture, vibrant color, and subtle earthy sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: Natural liquid sweetener with rich, complex flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer bringing depth and warmth to the recipe.

• Chocolate Chunks: Decadent morsels offering luxurious melted pockets of indulgence.
• Sea Salt: Flaky finishing element elevating overall flavor complexity and creating delightful sweet-savory contrast.

Tools You’ll Need for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars

• Mixing Bowls: Medium and large sizes for dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending wet ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading batter evenly in the baking dish.
• 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Key for creating uniform cookie bars.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Toothpick: Helps check if bars are fully baked.
• Cooling Rack: Optional for cooling bars after baking.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars Easily

• Cozy Kitchen Preparation

Warm up your kitchen and get ready for a delightful baking adventure. Grab your favorite baking dish and spritz it with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of these scrumptious treats.

• Dry Ingredient Magic

Gather your dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Combine the hearty oats, nutty whole wheat flour, sweet coconut sugar, and warming spices. This blend will create a foundation of incredible flavor.

• Wet Ingredient Harmony

In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy pumpkin, rich cashew butter, sweet maple syrup, and a touch of vanilla. Watch as these ingredients dance together into a smooth, inviting mixture.

• Batter Blending

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. The key is to mix just until everything comes together – no need for aggressive stirring. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle in some chocolate chunks for extra joy.

• Baking Transformation

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared dish. Pop it into the oven and let the magic happen. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the most amazing autumn-inspired aroma.

• Finishing Touches

Once baked, let the bars cool slightly. A sprinkle of sea salt will elevate these treats from delicious to absolutely irresistible. Slice and enjoy your homemade comfort in every bite.

Flavor Tips for Spiced and Chewy Cookie Bars

• Mix dark, milk, or white chocolate chunks for varied sweetness and texture in your bars.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free oat flour or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Fold in chopped nuts, chia seeds, or dried cranberries for extra crunch and nutritional benefits.
• Reduce maple syrup or replace coconut sugar with stevia for a lower-sugar alternative that still tastes delicious.

Serving Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars to Guests

• Cozy Autumn Afternoon Treat: Pair these warm, spiced bars with a steaming mug of chai tea or rich pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall indulgence.
• Protein-Packed Breakfast Companion: Crumble these bars over Greek yogurt or serve alongside a smoothie for a nutritious morning boost that keeps you energized.
• Dessert Transformation: Warm the bars slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant after-dinner sweet treat that feels extra special.
• Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a twine bow for a homemade gift that shows how much you care about friends and family during the holiday season.

Storing Pumpkin Cookie Bars to Keep Them Fresh

• Smart Fridge Storage: Wrap the cookie bars in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious soft texture and preventing moisture loss.
• Freezer-Friendly Stash: Layer bars between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. These treats freeze wonderfully for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying their original amazing taste.
• Room Temperature Charm: Store cooled bars in a sealed container on the kitchen counter. They'll stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days, perfect for quick snacking or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before serving. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature an hour before enjoying. This method helps intensify the pumpkin and spice flavors, creating an even more delectable treat.

Cozy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Bars

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Scrumptious pumpkin oatmeal cookie bars blend autumn spices with comforting textures. Warm cinnamon and nutmeg complement sweet pumpkin, creating an irresistible seasonal treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) rolled oats
• ½ cup (120 ml) white whole wheat flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) creamy cashew butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) coconut sugar (or light brown sugar)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) chocolate chunks (+ more for topping, if desired)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 tsps pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, ensuring easy release.
2. Dry Ingredients Blend: Combine rolled oats, white whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Wet Ingredients Fusion: In a large bowl, whisk egg, cashew butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well integrated, creating a creamy base.
4. Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a light, tender texture. If desired, fold in chocolate chunks for added decadence.
5. Baking Process: Transfer batter to prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Optional chocolate chunks can be sprinkled on top for visual appeal and extra flavor.
6. Oven Transformation: Bake for 18-22 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center – it should come out clean, indicating perfectly cooked bars.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow bars to rest for 10 minutes, helping them set and stabilize. Sprinkle sea salt across the surface to elevate the flavor profile, then slice into individual servings.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a light, tender texture and avoid dense, tough bars.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup or coconut sugar levels to control overall sweetness according to personal preference.
• Toothpick Test: Use the clean toothpick method to ensure perfect doneness, avoiding underbaked or dry cookie bars.
• Chocolate Enhancement: Optional chocolate chunks add rich decadence and create delightful flavor variations to the classic pumpkin oatmeal base.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg