Spooky Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
These Spooky Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive treat perfect for the Halloween season. Featuring a soft and chewy sugar cookie base topped with creamy, orange-colored frosting and decorated with spooky sprinkles and Halloween eyeball candies, these bars are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Layer
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
Frosting
- 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- Orange gel food coloring
- Spooky sprinkles
- Halloween eyeball candies
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, setting it aside for later.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, optional almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing to combine thoroughly.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gently mix the baking powder, salt, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients just until the flour mixture is barely incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the cookie base: Spread the cookie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes. The center may look slightly underbaked, but the bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Prepare the frosting: While the base bakes, whip the softened 4 tbsp butter and powdered sugar together until combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, whipping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add color to frosting: Mix in orange gel food coloring until the frosting achieves a vibrant orange hue suitable for Halloween.
- Frost and decorate: Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the orange frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with spooky sprinkles and Halloween eyeball candies to enhance the festive look.
- Serve or chill: Slice and serve immediately if you prefer a softer frosting texture, or chill the bars to allow the frosting to set firmly before enjoying.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter for both the cookie dough and frosting to ensure smooth mixing and fluffy frosting.
- You can omit the almond extract if you prefer just vanilla flavor.
- Use a gel-based food coloring for a vibrant color that doesn’t affect frosting consistency.
- Ensure the cookie base is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Halloween sugar cookie bars, Halloween dessert, sugar cookie bars, spooky treats, holiday baking, festive desserts
