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Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars with orange icing, sprinkles and eyeballs close up
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5 from 2 votes

Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

These Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy and topped with orange buttercream and sprinkles for a sweet, buttery festive treat.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Cool Time20 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: 60 Minutes or Less, Desserts, Halloween Recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 60-Minutes or Less, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cookie Bars, Dessert Bar, Desserts, Fall, Halloween, Winter
Servings: 16
Calories: 248kcal
Author: Eva Filer

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
  • 8x8 Metal Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • Offset Spatula
  • Wire Rack

Ingredients

SUGAR COOKIE BARS:

  • 187.5 grams all-purpose flour about 1 ½ cups
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 200 grams granulated sugar about 1 cup
  • 1 stick butter, unsalted melted
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • teaspoon almond extract optional

FROSTING:

  • 262.5 grams icing sugar
  • 6 tablespoon butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk optional
  • orange food coloring optional
  • Halloween sprinkles for topping, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325F and line an 8x8 metal baking pan with parchment paper leaving the sides high.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together all-purpose flour, sea salt and baking powder.
  • Using a stand mixer or large bowl, mix sugar and melted butter on low speed to combine.
  • Add in egg yolk, pure vanilla and almond extracts and mix again on low (about 30 seconds), stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  • Pour in dry goods and run on low until the dough is fully combined (about 60 seconds). Again, scrape down the sides as needed.
  • Transfer cookie dough into 8x8 pan and flatten with an offset spatula.
  • Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges look set; a toothpick comes out of the center with moist crumbs.
  • Cool on a wire rack then start your frosting.
  • Combine icing sugar and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer until smooth using the paddle attachment. If you want a slightly lighter, slightly thinner frosting add up to 1 tablespoon of milk, adding 1 teaspoon at a time.
  • Add orange food coloring (starting small) and mix again to incorporate the color. Keep putting in more until you get the desired color (note: I used ¼ teaspoon).
  • Place dollops of frosting over cooled bars (I prefer to do this in the pan), then add sprinkles. Slice and serve or chill for cleaner cuts.

Notes

  • Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center— overbaking can dry them out.
  • Using room temperature butter helps everything blend smoothly.
  • Chill slightly before cutting for cleaner slices and neater edges.
  • Decorate just before serving if you’re using soft sprinkles or candy eyes.
  • For larger gatherings or classroom treats, this cookie bar recipe doubles well in a 9x13 metal pan(note: the baking time may have to be adjusted as they will be slightly higher). Depending on the amount of frosting desired, you could double the frosting recipe or use multiple it by 1.5.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
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