Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 cup butter (2 sticks).
02 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice.
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar.
04 - 1 cup packed brown sugar.
05 - 1 (8-oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling).
06 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (preferably Mexican vanilla).
07 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
08 - 1 large egg.
09 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled).
10 - 1 teaspoon baking powder.
11 - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips.
12 - 1 cup dark chocolate chips.

Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick spray, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly and hot, stir in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice and let it toast for a few seconds, then remove the pan from heat.
03 - Stir in the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until combined.
04 - Add the pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), vanilla extract, and kosher salt, and mix well.
05 - Add the egg, stirring vigorously to prevent curdling. If the mixture is still very hot, wait a couple of minutes before adding the egg.
06 - Add the flour and baking powder, but don't stir immediately. Use a teaspoon to mix the baking powder into the flour, then stir the flour into the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
08 - Sprinkle the semisweet and dark chocolate chips over the top of the batter, then gently fold them in using a spatula to incorporate them into the batter.
09 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet batter. The edges should pull slightly from the pan.
10 - Allow the bars to cool before removing them from the pan for slicing, or enjoy them warm if you can't wait!.
11 - Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. These bars also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Notes:

01 - These Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars combine rich chocolate with warm pumpkin spice, making them perfect for fall gatherings.
02 - You can easily store these bars for up to 3 days on the counter, or freeze them for up to 3 months for a quick treat.