Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in fun, colorful treats, and these Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are just the thing! Soft, buttery, and topped with festive orange or purple frosting plus spooky sprinkles, these bars are both delicious and eye-catching. They’re easy to make, feed a crowd, and don’t require shaping or rolling like traditional cookies.
Ideal for Halloween parties, school events, or an afternoon of spooky baking, these bars are a quick win for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (orange, purple, or black)
- Halloween sprinkles for topping
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until combined.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
- Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy. Tint with desired food coloring, then spread over cooled bars. Add Halloween sprinkles on top.
Variation
- Chocolate Twist: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dough.
- Candy Topping: Sprinkle chopped Halloween candy instead of sprinkles.
- Marble Effect: Use two colors of frosting and swirl together for a spooky pattern.
Cooking Notes
- Do not overbake—slightly underbaking keeps them soft and chewy.
- Let bars cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
Serving Suggestions
- Cut into squares or spooky shapes using cookie cutters.
- Serve alongside hot chocolate for a cozy Halloween treat.
- Wrap individually for trick-or-treat bags.
Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker bars.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting colors.
- Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 24 servings)
- Calories: ~210
- Protein: ~2g
- Sodium: ~120mg
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, bake up to 2 days in advance and store unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost before serving.
Can I freeze Halloween sugar cookie bars?
- Yes, freeze baked and cooled bars (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
- Absolutely, to save time you can use canned frosting and tint it with food coloring.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
- You can use two 8×8 pans or adjust bake time for smaller pans.
How do I make them more festive?
- Use multiple frosting colors, themed sprinkles, or add edible glitter.
Conclusion
These Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, delicious way to celebrate spooky season without the hassle of individual cookies. With their soft texture, vibrant frosting, and endless decoration possibilities, they’re perfect for parties, school events, or just a fun baking day at home.