9 Cookie Bar Recipes Perfect for Thanksgiving

Cookie bars are the secret stars of Thanksgiving desserts. They’re simple to bake, easy to slice, and perfect for feeding a crowd. From gooey caramel and buttery shortbread to warm spices and fruity fillings, each recipe captures a taste of the season in one pan. These bars combine the comfort of cookies with the convenience of a shareable treat. Whether you’re hosting or bringing dessert to dinner, these nine cookie bars will satisfy every sweet craving at the table.

1. Pumpkin Spice Cookie Bars

These pumpkin spice cookie bars taste like a cozy bite of autumn. Made with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they bake up soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges. The batter stays moist thanks to the pumpkin, while the spices fill your kitchen with a warm aroma. Add white chocolate chips or drizzle cream cheese icing on top for an extra treat. Perfect with coffee or cider, these bars deliver all the flavor of pumpkin pie without the fuss.

2. Pecan Pie Cookie Bars

These bars pack all the indulgence of pecan pie into easy, handheld squares. A buttery shortbread crust supports a gooey topping of pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup that caramelizes as it bakes. Once cooled, the bars slice cleanly while keeping a rich, chewy texture. They’re sweet but balanced by the nutty crunch in each bite. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a simple yet decadent dessert. It’s a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving favorite that never fails to impress.

3. Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

These blondies combine tart cranberries with creamy white chocolate for a perfect mix of sweet and tangy. The dense, buttery batter gets a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the pops of fruit. Dried or fresh cranberries both work, offering color and brightness in every slice. Sprinkle extra white chocolate chips on top before baking for a festive touch. The balance of flavors makes these bars light enough to enjoy after a hearty Thanksgiving meal but rich enough to feel indulgent.

4. Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bars

These apple cinnamon bars bring the flavor of homemade pie in an easy-to-make format. A buttery shortbread crust holds a layer of cinnamon-spiced apples, finished with a crunchy streusel topping. The aroma while baking is pure comfort, and the crumbly texture adds a satisfying contrast to the tender filling. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness. These bars are ideal for serving warm or chilled and make a cozy addition to any Thanksgiving dessert spread.

5. Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie Bars

The best parts of a chocolate chip cookie meet the richness of toasted pecans in these irresistible bars. The dough is thick, buttery, and full of brown sugar flavor, creating chewy centers and golden edges. Toasted pecans add crunch and depth that pairs beautifully with the melting chocolate chips. They travel well, slice easily, and taste even better the next day. Serve warm for a gooey texture or let them cool for classic cookie perfection everyone will love.

6. Maple Brown Butter Blondies

These blondies deliver warm, caramel-like sweetness thanks to brown butter and maple syrup. The brown butter gives them a toasty, nutty aroma, while the maple syrup adds smooth depth. The edges bake golden while the center stays soft and chewy. Sprinkle a little sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and bring out the maple flavor. These bars are simple to make but taste like something from a bakery. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving potlucks or casual gatherings.

7. Sweet Potato Pie Bars with Pecan Crumble

This creative dessert transforms classic sweet potato pie into a one-pan wonder. The smooth filling features mashed sweet potatoes, vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of orange zest for brightness. A buttery crust holds it all together, while a pecan crumble topping adds crunch and contrast. The bars bake into firm yet creamy slices that hold their shape beautifully. Serve them chilled with whipped cream or warm with a drizzle of caramel for a dessert that feels both traditional and fresh.

8. Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookie Bars

These bars strike a perfect balance between salty and sweet. A soft cookie base topped with gooey caramel and crushed pretzels creates an irresistible mix of textures. As the caramel sets, it hugs the pretzels and forms a chewy layer with a light crunch. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor, keeping the sweetness from overwhelming. They slice neatly and stay fresh for days, making them ideal for gifting or serving alongside other Thanksgiving treats.

9. Ginger Molasses Cookie Bars

Spicy, chewy, and deeply flavorful, these bars are everything you love about gingerbread in a softer form. Molasses and brown sugar create a rich, dark sweetness, while ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves add warmth. The edges crisp slightly while the centers stay tender. A dusting of sugar before baking gives a subtle sparkle and crunch. The flavor deepens as they cool, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Pair them with vanilla ice cream or tea for a cozy Thanksgiving finale.