Gorgeous Treats to Bring to Any Holiday Cookie Swap

Yes, these bars have Thanksgiving (and Christmas) written all over them, but like the best holiday treats, they're just too good to be reserved for holidays only. The shortbread crust is buttery and tasty—and there's no rolling needed, since you just press it into the pan. The topping is pretty much our dream pie filling: custardy, gently spiced and sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup. (You can use canned sweet potato or pumpkin puree.) But here's why we're really gaga: The crust and the topping are equally flavorful and the same thickness, so every bite is half cookie, half pie.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Pie Bars