Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars
✨ Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Bars — The Cozy Bite You Didn’t Know You Needed
If fall had a mascot, it would be these bars. Soft, spiced, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar magic, they’re the kind of treat that makes you want to pull on fuzzy socks, light a candle, and pretend you live in a Hallmark movie.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars
Some recipes are just seasonal soulmates. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Bars are that perfect mix of cozy and easy — the kind of dessert you can whip up on a Tuesday night but still proudly serve at a weekend gathering. They’re soft and tender, with a buttery crumb and a cinnamon‑sugar topping that crackles ever so slightly when you bite in.
And here’s the best part: no fancy equipment, no complicated steps, and no “wait 12 hours for the dough to chill” nonsense. Just mix, bake, slice, and bask in the compliments.
💬 Reader prompt: What’s your ultimate fall comfort dessert — pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or something chocolatey?
Snickerdoodles are one of my most favorite things in this world and then combining it with pumpkin is like heaven in a bar. I like this recipe because there isn’t a ton extra things to do. It’s hard to find time sometimes to do everything that a recipe requires, this is mix, dump and bake.
Matt and the boys really enjoyed this treat on with our Sunday dinner. Greyson thinks it’s Halloween everyday because it’s October. He is stressing about getting his costume because everyday in October is Halloween, obviously.
Which I need to be a more fun mom and decorate like my mom does. They love the monster on her lawn and all her spooky things!
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Topping:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a metal 9×13‑inch pan with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin, water, and vanilla; mix until well combined.
- Add flour, cinnamon, cream of tartar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until just combined — no dry streaks.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
- Mix topping ingredients together and sprinkle evenly over batter.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until set around edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve at room temp or chilled.
🔢 Calorie Count (Per Bar, Based on 24 Servings)
- Calories: ~180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbs: 26g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
💡 Note: These are estimates — actual values may vary depending on brands used and portion size.
🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun
- Pumpkin Power: Pumpkin puree is rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision (and makes you feel slightly better about eating dessert).
- Spice Benefits: Cinnamon and nutmeg aren’t just tasty — they’re packed with antioxidants.
- Mood Boost: Baking with warm spices has been shown to trigger happy, cozy feelings. Science says so… and so does my nose.
👩🍳 Cooking Tips for Pumpkin Bar Perfection
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing = tough bars.
- Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking at 20 minutes. You want set edges but a soft center.
- Cool Completely: Cutting too soon can make them crumble. Patience, my friend.
- Pan Choice: Metal pans bake more evenly than glass for this recipe.
💬 Reader prompt: Are you a “follow the recipe exactly” baker or a “let’s see what happens” baker?
🔄 Recipe Variations
- Maple Glaze Drizzle: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk; drizzle over cooled bars.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in 1 cup mini chocolate chips before baking.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Gluten‑Free Swap: Use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
🧒 Kid Tips
- Let kids help sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping — it’s basically edible glitter.
- Use mini cookie cutters to cut cooled bars into fun shapes (leaves, pumpkins, stars).
- Serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and let them add their own toppings.
🛒 Grocery Hacks
- Pumpkin Puree: Stock up during fall — it disappears fast. Freeze extra in 1‑cup portions for baking later.
- Spices: Buy in bulk if you bake a lot; it’s cheaper and fresher.
- Butter: Keep a stash in the freezer — you’ll never be caught without it.
🎯 Reader Challenge
Make these bars your way this week — whether that’s adding chocolate chips, swapping in maple sugar, or cutting them into cute shapes. Snap a pic, post it on Instagram, and tag it with #LouLouGirlsPumpkinMagic so we can all drool together.
🥪 Leftover Remix
- Pumpkin Bar Parfait: Layer crumbled bars with vanilla yogurt and granola.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice bars in half horizontally, add ice cream, freeze.
- Pumpkin Trifle: Cube bars and layer with whipped cream and caramel sauce in a glass bowl.
💭 Final Thoughts
These bars are proof that pumpkin season deserves more than just pie. They’re quick, crowd‑pleasing, and make your kitchen smell like a dream. Plus, they’re the kind of dessert that invites conversation — “What’s in these?” “Can I have the recipe?” “Do you have more?”
If you’re looking for a fall dessert that’s easy, cozy, and guaranteed to make people happy, this is it. Bake a batch, share with friends, and watch them disappear faster than the leaves on your lawn. And remember — the cinnamon sugar on top isn’t optional. It’s the crown jewel.
💬 Reader prompt: Should we make a holiday version of these next — maybe gingerbread spice or eggnog glaze?
Did you try our Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars recipe? What did you think? Did you love it? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below or tag us on Instagram!
COOKIE BAR RECIPES THAT YOU WILL LOVE
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the best of both worlds! The crunchy edges are so crisp, browned and just waiting for you to take a big bite! The center cuts are extra ooey, gooey and rich. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will be your new favorite!
Sugar Cookie Bar! We are a big fan of the sugar cookie and we make them for everything special occasion.
It was a no-brainer to make a sugar cookie bar. They are so delicious and easy to make. Seriously, I made these last night and they are gone this morning!
Gooey Caramel Apple Bars are loaded with fruit, nuts, and caramel. Try a warm square topped with vanilla ice cream for an easy fall dessert!
Your Closest CHEERLEADERS!
We are your big sisters , cheerleaders , and confidence boosters in building a happy home. We are the Lou Lou Girls!
These sound so easy to make and they look absolutely delightful! Fudgy and chewy…so perfect! I cannot wait to make them 😀
thank you!