Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Bars {vegan}

Packed with pumpkin and chocolate chips, these soft, chewy cookie bars make for a perfect autumn snack or dessert!

I’ve noticed that people keep telling me that they’re surprised that I’ve been cooking and baking a lot now that I have a baby. But being in the kitchen gives me a sense of normalcy amidst my world turned upside-down with the arrival of a newborn.

I’m typically a very up and at ’em person. Doing things I used to do all the time, like planning dates with girlfriends or going to workout classes solo, takes more effort these days, but working in the kitchen is something that gives me joy that I can do it in the comfort of my own home with my babe sleeping (or screaming, haha) nearby.

Hence today’s recipe: chocolate chip pumpkin cookie bars.

I’m all about pumpkin nowadays (shocker!) and these babies are indulgent enough to have for dessert, but healthy enough to eat alongside a cup of tea in the morning or as an on-the-go snack as you’re headed out the door (or, ya know, to sit on your couch to feed your baby for an hour if you’re like me these days).

A few of the healthy swaps in these bars include using half whole wheat flour + coconut oil instead a load of butter. I kept the bars vegan by using a flaxseed egg, dairy free butter, and dairy free chocolate chips. Enjoy Life is my favorite brand that I always have on hand for recipes like these, and I like using either their mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate morsels.

These days I haven’t been testing out quite as many recipes and I’m not as organized with developing them, as I’ve been consumed with my other work, taking care of a baby, putting in the effort with my healthy lifestyle, spending time with my hubby, and keeping things up with my home… but after all, I’m a kitchen maven and foodie at heart, so I can’t help but play around in the kitchen whenever I do get the chance.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that life is a bit crazy for me right now, but I’m still here my friends!

Have you been whipping up pumpkin baked goods lately? If so, share with me what you’ve been making in the comment section below!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Bars {vegan}

Foodie Loves Fitness

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Servings 16

Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup pure pumpkin
• 1 cup white flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup coconut or brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup melted vegan butter
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 flax egg: 1 TBSP ground flaxseed + 3 TBSP water
• 1 TSP pumpkin pie spice
• 1 TSP vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 TSP baking powder
• 1/4 TSP fine sea salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray.
• Make the flax egg by mixing the flaxseed and water together in a small bowl. Set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt.
• In another mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, melted butter, almond milk and sugar. Add in the pure pumpkin, vanilla, and flax egg, then mix together again.
• Pour the flour mixture into the wet mixture in two batches, mixing together well. Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Pour the batter into the baking dish, spreading out evenly. The mixture should be somewhat thick.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bars are lightly browned and pass the toothpick test.
• Allow them to slightly cool before cutting into bars.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 10g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

And if you’re looking for pumpkin breakfast inspo, check out the pumpkin protein pancakes that I recently developed for Shape!

Tell me… What was the most recent thing that you baked?