Sweet, soft cookie bars with cozy pumpkin spice, fluffy frosting, and plenty of fall sprinkles.

Fall is officially party season, and every good party needs a standout dessert. These Pumpkin Party Sugar Cookie Bars are here for the occasion! They’re soft, spiced, and covered in autumn sprinkles. Think of them as the dessert equivalent of confetti. This recipe proves that pumpkin spice can absolutely be the life of the party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy, festive, and made with simple ingredients.
• Uses a sugar cookie mix for quick prep.
• Packed with pumpkin spice and white chocolate flavor.
• Topped with frosting and sprinkles for that seasonal wow factor.
• Soft, chewy texture that tastes like a bakery treat.
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead desserts.
• A fun way to enjoy pumpkin spice this fall.

Ingredient Notes

• Sugar cookie mix: The shortcut that makes these bars come together fast while keeping the texture soft and chewy.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The classic fall blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves- warm, cozy, and perfectly balanced.
• White chocolate chips: Add creamy sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice without overpowering it.
• Pumpkin baking chips: A fun seasonal touch that adds both color and a hint of pumpkin flavor. Butterscotch chips make a great swap.
• Salted butter: Balances sweetness and adds rich flavor to both the bars and frosting.
• Fall sprinkles: The final touch that turns this simple dessert into a full-on pumpkin party centerpiece.

Before You Bake

Do I need pumpkin baking chips for this recipe?
They’re a fun bonus but not essential. If you can’t find them, swap in butterscotch or cinnamon chips for a similar flavor and color.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?
Yes! If you have a favorite recipe, go for it. The box mix just saves time and guarantees consistent results.

Should I frost the bars while they’re warm?
Wait until they’re completely cool. If the bars are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and lose its fluffy texture.

Pumpkin Party Sugar Cookie Bars

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bars

• 1 (17.5 oz) package sugar cookie mix
• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup pumpkin baking chips

Vanilla Buttercream With a Twist

• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of pumpkin pie spice

Topping

• Fall sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until combined. Stir in white chocolate chips and pumpkin baking chips.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
4. Let cool completely in the pan.
5. To make the frosting, beat butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons cream, beating until fluffy (add an extra tablespoon of cream if needed for spreadability).
6. Mix in a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for that little fall twist.
7. Spread frosting over cooled bars, then add a bunch of fall sprinkles. Slice into squares and serve.

FAQ

How should I store these sugar cookie bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unfrosted bars for up to two months. Thaw and frost right before serving for the best texture.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely. Bake the bars a day in advance, store covered, and frost the next day before serving.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling required- just mix, press into the pan, and bake. 

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn dessert into a full-on pumpkin party! Set up a “decorate your bar” station with bowls of fall sprinkles, candy pieces, and frosting colors. Play upbeat fall music, serve warm cider or pumpkin punch, and let guests personalize their own slice before snapping a photo for the sprinkle wall.