Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

When I saw these pumpkin chocolate chip bars on the Girl Who Ate Everything blog, I just knew that I had to try them.  She takes the most enticing pictures, so it was impossible not to be interested!  I posted the link on the Facebook page just in case I didn't get around to it.

But I did!

And the result were very delicious, very addictive pumpkin bars!  A lot like pumpkin bread, but better!  My mom agreed with me.  My cousin made her own version and even replaced some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.  Sounds delicious!  I brought half to a get-together and the rest stayed at home.  They didn't last very long!  So, without further ado, here is the recipe!

By the way, this is another winning Martha Stewart recipe.  That Martha ...

Ingredients!

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP SQUARES by Martha Stewart

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (I used extra)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
12 ounces chocolate chips

STEP ONE: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a  13 x 9" pan with foil.  Grease with butter or solid vegetable shortening and set aside.

STEP TWO: Whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda and salt.

Chopping your butter makes it easier to mix.

Don't forget to do a baker's scrape after each step!  Scrape after the butter and sugar are beaten, then add the vanilla and the egg.

Mix in the pumpkin.

It's okay if it looks grainy.

STEP THREE:  Beat butter and sugar on medium speed.  Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined.  Beat in pumpkin puree.  The mixture will look curdled, but that is fine!

STEP FOUR: Add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated.  Remember, you never want to overmix.  Then fold in your chocolate chips.

STEP FIVE: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan.  Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.  When they are completely cooled, gently lift them out of the pan for cutting.  Cut into 24 squares and separate from the foil.  This part was a lot easier than it sounds!

Then, eat and enjoy!  They are so yummy!

SOURCES:
http://www.marthastewart.com/336431/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-squares
http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2012/09/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-squares.html