These Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are fun and festive! With a soft, chewy base and sweet frosting, they are perfect for any spooky celebration.
Who knew Halloween treats could be so easy to make? I love cutting these into spooky shapes and sharing them at parties. Just try not to eat them all yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookie bars. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works surprisingly well in cookies!
Unsalted butter: Butter adds rich flavor and texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using margarine or coconut oil. Be mindful that this may slightly change the taste!
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure. For a healthier option, you can substitute with coconut sugar, but the color and texture might vary a bit.
Gel food coloring: This gives your icing a bright and festive look. If you prefer natural coloring, try beet juice or turmeric. Just note that colors will be less vibrant and may affect the flavor.
Halloween-themed sprinkles: These add fun and decoration. If you can’t find themed sprinkles, any colorful mix works well. You could even use nuts or dried fruits for a different twist!
How Do You Get The Perfect Frosting Consistency?
Getting your frosting to the right consistency is key for spreading and decorating. Start by beating the butter until creamy. Then, add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well.
- Add 2 tablespoons of milk, then check the thickness. You want it thick but spreadable! If it’s too thick, add more milk a little at a time.
- For a smoother frosting, consider beating it an extra minute or two after adding all ingredients.
The goal is to have it fluffy enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread nicely over the bars. Enjoy crafting those spooky designs!
Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Bars:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange and purple gel food coloring
- Halloween-themed sprinkles (black, orange, white)
Time Estimate:
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 18-22 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely before frosting, which takes around 20-30 minutes. Total time: approximately 1 hour including cooling! Perfect for a spooky treat any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, greasing and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper makes for easy removal later. Just leave some paper overhanging on the sides.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the cookies. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes and is important for a nice texture!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one by one. Make sure to beat the mixture well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s well combined. This will add a wonderful flavor!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies dense. You should see no visible flour!
6. Spread and Bake:
Spread your dough evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking that the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
7. Cool the Cookie Bars:
Once they’re done baking, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling completely is important before frosting!
8. Make the Frosting:
While the bars cool, prepare the frosting! Beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk a tiny bit at a time until perfect!
9. Color the Frosting:
Divide the frosting equally into two bowls. Use orange gel food coloring for one and purple for the other. Mix well until you reach your desired color!
10. Frost the Bars:
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the orange frosting evenly on one half and the purple on the other. You can add designs or patterns—have fun with it!
11. Add Sprinkles:
While the frosting is still soft, sprinkle the Halloween-themed sprinkles over the top. This makes them festive and fun!
12. Cut and Serve:
Let the frosting set a little before cutting the bars into squares. Now they’re ready to enjoy! Perfect for Halloween parties or any time you want a sweet treat!
Enjoy your festive and delicious Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well for cookie recipes. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly from using regular all-purpose flour.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they might lose some of their softness.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before spreading it in the pan.
How Can I Make the Frosting Color More Vibrant?
For more vibrant frosting colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring as it will give you a richer shade without changing the consistency. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired color!