Description
These Halloween Sugar Cookies Bars are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies, baked in a sheet pan and topped with a vibrant, creamy vanilla frosting colored for the holiday and sprinkled with spooky decorations. Perfectly soft and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness, these bars are easy to make and ideal for sharing at Halloween parties or as a seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/4 cups salted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Food coloring (assorted colors as desired)
- Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling or spray it liberally with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl fitted with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and light, approximately 2 minutes. This step is important to incorporate air and create a tender crumb for the bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie bars tender.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even layer for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake as you want soft, chewy bars. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating. Add the vanilla extract and 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
- Color and Decorate: Divide the frosting into separate bowls and mix in food coloring to achieve desired Halloween colors. Spread the colored frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Decorate the top with Halloween-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Cut and Serve: Once decorated, cut the frosted cookie slab into 18 bars. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted; just add a pinch more salt to the dough.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant frosting colors without thinning the consistency.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
