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Cozy Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe with Easy Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

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Soft and tender pumpkin sugar cookie bars topped with a bright, zesty orange cream cheese frosting. A cozy fall dessert perfect for gatherings and simple treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (315 g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (226 g), softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (240 g), not pumpkin pie filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese (226 g), softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113 g), softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g), sifted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, strained
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Stir in 1 cup pure pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to about 1-inch thickness.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
  10. Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and ½ cup softened butter together until creamy and smooth.
  11. Gradually add 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
  12. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  13. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars with an offset spatula or butter knife.
  14. Chill for about 15 minutes to set the frosting.
  15. Use the parchment overhang to lift bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

Do not frost bars while warm to avoid melting. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Fresh orange zest is key for bright flavor. If frosting is too soft, chill and whip again. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. Dairy-free options available with alternative cream cheese and butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin sugar cookie bars, orange cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, pumpkin bars, easy pumpkin recipe, cozy fall treats

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/cozy-pumpkin-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe-with-easy-orange-cream-cheese-frosting/