Print

Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and fun fall baking treat that turns classic sugar cookies into a chewy, colorful, and one-pan delight. Perfect for parties, school treats, or seasonal snacks, these bars combine simple ingredients with vibrant Halloween-themed decorations, offering a perfect balance of buttery softness and chewy edges that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Festive Toppings

  • Halloween sprinkles and colored sugar (to taste)

Optional Ingredients

  • Food coloring (optional, for frosting or dough)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract for a warm, comforting aroma.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensure soft bars.
  3. Press the Dough into the Pan: Transfer the cookie dough into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan and press it evenly into a flat layer. This ensures uniform thickness so the bars bake consistently.
  4. Add Festive Toppings: Sprinkle your Halloween sprinkles, colored sugars, or festive candies lightly over the top, pressing them gently into the dough so they adhere and bake into the surface.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting or slicing.
  6. Optional Frosting: For extra indulgence, prepare a cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread it evenly over the cooled bars and decorate with additional sprinkles or edible decorations to enhance the festive Halloween look.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the dough; stir dry ingredients gently to keep bars soft and tender.
  • Press the dough evenly using a spatula or your hands for uniform baking.
  • If dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate briefly before pressing into the pan.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
  • Decorate generously with sprinkles and frosting for best presentation and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, sugar cookie bars, festive dessert, chewy bars, fall baking, holiday treats