Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat perfect for the spooky season. These bars are soft, sweet, and covered in colorful frosting, making them a fun addition to any Halloween celebration. They are easy to make and great for sharing with friends and family. Let’s explore why this recipe is a must-try.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars because they are simple to make. The combination of soft cookie bars and creamy frosting is irresistible. They are also great for gatherings, parties, or even just a fun family treat. The colors and sprinkles add a festive touch that brings excitement to any Halloween celebration. You can customize the frosting with food coloring and healthy sprinkle options, making them perfect for everyone.
HOW TO MAKE Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup salted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Orange food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is important to ensure your bars bake evenly.
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside. This will make it easier to remove the cookie bars after baking.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to mix until the mixture is fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and egg to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth. This will add flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Make sure everything is combined well, but don’t overmix.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool completely. The center might look soft, but it will firm up as it cools.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until peaks form. This will be the delicious frosting that goes on top.
- Add drops of food coloring to the frosting and mix until it’s the desired shade. If you want, you can make it vibrant orange for Halloween.
- Spread the orange frosting over the cooled sugar cookie bars. Make sure to cover the surface evenly.
- Don’t forget to add Halloween sprinkles. This is where you can let your creativity shine!
- Once the frosting has set, cut the bars into squares and serve right away or store them. Enjoy them at your Halloween party!
HOW TO SERVE Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Serve these cookie bars on a festive plate. You can arrange them in a fun shape or stack them for a beautiful display. You might also consider serving them with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a delightful treat. These bars are perfect for parties or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, these cookie bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pair your Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars with different drinks like apple cider, hot chocolate, or even coffee. They also go well with a scoop of ice cream on the side. You can serve them at a Halloween party, on movie night, or just as a fun family dessert.
VARIATIONS
There are many fun ways to mix up this recipe! Instead of orange frosting, you could try different colors like purple or green. You can use different types of sprinkles too, maybe ghosts or bats. You can also try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough for different textures.
FAQs
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
- Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the dough if you want to keep the flavor balance.
- Can I use a different kind of flour?
- All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can try gluten-free flour if you have dietary needs.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Yes! You can make the cookie bars and frost them a day in advance. Just store them properly.
- What can I do if my frosting is too thin?
- If your frosting is too thin, you can add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
To save time, you can make the cookie dough a day ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate. You can also make the frosting in advance. Store it in the fridge, and give it a quick mix before spreading it on the bars. Preparing ahead of time can help make your Halloween celebration stress-free and fun!
Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and egg to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
- Incorporate the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing until a dough forms.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until peaks form.
- Add food coloring to the frosting and mix until desired shade is reached.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
- Decorate with Halloween sprinkles.