Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy Frosted Treat for Parties

Looking for a delicious and easy Halloween treat that will delight kids and adults alike? These Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect balance of sweetness and festivity, with a soft, chewy texture topped with a creamy orange frosting and sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a party, family gathering, or just a spooky afternoon snack, these bars will surely be a hit. Plus, they come together quickly, making them the ideal choice for busy bakers!

Why You’ll Love These Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies. These bars are easy to make, with no need to roll out dough or cut out shapes. They bake quickly and require minimal effort, which makes them a great choice for novice bakers or those with little time. The light and fluffy sugar cookies are topped with a smooth, tangy frosting that’s colored to match the Halloween theme, along with festive sprinkles for the ultimate spooky touch!

Ingredients for Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

For the Cookie Base:

• Butter (Softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides a tender texture, helping the cookies stay soft.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
• Powdered Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and gives the bars a smooth texture.
• Milk: Helps the dough come together while adding a soft, tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the dough.
• Baking Powder: Provides lift, ensuring the bars rise perfectly while baking.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and adds a subtle tang.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie bars, providing firmness and chewiness.

For the Frosting:

• Butter (Softened): Creates a smooth and creamy frosting base.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess, which balances the sweetness of the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives the frosting a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Makes the frosting thick, smooth, and sweet.
• Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to the perfect spreading texture.
• Orange Food Coloring: Gives the frosting its festive orange color, perfect for Halloween.
• Halloween Sprinkles: Adds a fun, spooky touch to the finished bars.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

• Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, you can swap butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
• Egg Substitute: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan version.
• Flour Options: You can use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with oil or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for about 2 minutes on medium speed until smooth.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Add the milk and eggs, and continue to mix until everything is well incorporated.
4. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, and flour until evenly combined.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-beat the dough.
6. Spread the dough: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the bars: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the bars: Let the cookie bars cool in the baking sheet for about 20 minutes before frosting them.

For the Frosting:

1. Cream the frosting ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sour cream together until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla and powdered sugar: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
3. Adjust the consistency: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the consistency of cake batter—smooth and spreadable.
4. Add the food coloring: Mix in a few drops of orange food coloring to achieve a bright, festive shade.
5. Frost the cookies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and immediately top with Halloween sprinkles.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookie bars. Stir until just combined to maintain a light texture.
• Check for Doneness: The bars should be lightly golden around the edges. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before spreading the frosting to avoid melting it.
• Make-Ahead Tip: These Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These sugar cookie bars are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of seasonal treats. Try serving them with:

• Pumpkin Spice Lattes for a cozy fall treat.
• Spiced Apple Cider to bring a warming touch to your Halloween celebration.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies for those who prefer a mix of flavors at the party.

For variations, you can use colored frosting in other spooky shades like green or purple, or even top them with chocolate sprinkles for a different flavor twist.

Final Thoughts on Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

With their vibrant orange frosting, soft-baked texture, and festive sprinkles, Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are a seasonal favorite you’ll want to bake every fall. They’re easy to whip up, ideal for feeding a crowd, and totally customizable with your favorite Halloween colors and toppings. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunchbox treat, or just want something sweet and spooky to enjoy with the kids, this recipe is a no-fail way to impress.

Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than your Halloween candy stash—these cookie bars are truly irresistible!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Recipe: A spooky and fun Halloween dessert, these peanut butter cookies are topped with chocolate candies and candy eyes to look like creepy-cute spiders. They share the festive, kid-friendly vibe of Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars, perfect for parties or classroom treats.
• Halloween Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: These over-the-top cookies combine chocolate chip cookie dough with a surprise Oreo center. The colorful Halloween sprinkles make them a perfect complement to the frosted sugar cookie bars in both theme and indulgence.
• Zombie Brain Cupcakes – Halloween Treats: Moist cupcakes decorated to look like zombie brains, ideal for Halloween parties. With their bright colors and sweet frosting, they echo the playful horror theme and sugary delight of Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars.

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