Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Squares

These are delicious, moist cake squares that are simple to make. I made them 3-4 times this holiday season and received many compliments. My husband prefered them without the chocolate chips. Adapted from Martha's new Everyday Food magazine.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar
• 1  egg
• 2 -3  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups canned pumpkin
• 12  ounces chocolate chips (you may omit)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Line a 9x13 baking pan with foil.
3. Whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda and salt.
4. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
5. To butter/sugar, beat in egg and and vanilla.
6. Beat in pumpkin puree- batter may appear curdled at this point.
7. mix in dry ingredients until combined.
8. Fold in chocolate chips.
9. Spread evenly in pan and bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.
10. Edges should come away from the side, and inserted toothpick should come out clean.
11. Cool in pan, then cut into 24 squares for serving.