Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars
Delightful and festive cookie bars with a sweet, buttery flavor and vibrant colors, perfect for Halloween celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter Softened to a creamy perfection
- 1 cup granulated sugar Transforms butter into a fluffy mixture
- 1 large egg Contributes moisture and helps create a tender texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor profile
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Creates the structure of the bars
- ½ teaspoon baking powder Gives bars a light and fluffy rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness
- orange and purple food coloring For vibrant Halloween colors
- Halloween-themed sprinkles Adds crunch and whimsy
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter Softened for creamy texture
- 2 cups powdered sugar Sweetness for frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth to frosting flavor
- 2-3 tablespoons milk To achieve desired consistency
- orange food coloring For festive frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, coloring one half with orange food coloring and the other with purple.
- Press the orange dough into the prepared baking dish and layer the purple dough on top.
- Sprinkle Halloween-themed sprinkles generously over the purple layer.
Baking
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden on the edges.
Frosting
- Beat the softened butter until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk for a spreadable consistency. Add orange food coloring until desired shade.
- Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over them, cut into bars, and serve.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to prevent tough bars. Ensure bars cool completely before frosting.