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Best Easy Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars with Orange Frosting

Halloween sugar cookie bars - featured image
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These soft and chewy sugar cookie bars are topped with a tangy cream cheese orange frosting and candy corn, making them the perfect no-fuss Halloween treat. They’re quick to make, kid-approved, and taste just like a beloved bakery memory.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • ¼ teaspoon orange extract (optional but recommended)
  • Orange gel food coloring
  • ¼ cup candy corn
  • Optional: Black decorating gel for spiderwebs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment and exposed pan sides.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl halfway through.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. Finish folding with a spatula if needed.
  5. Transfer dough to prepared pan. Press into an even layer using a spatula or lightly floured hands. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Cool in pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  6. For frosting: In a clean bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, on low speed. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Beat on medium for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add orange gel food coloring drop by drop until desired shade is reached.
  7. Once bars are completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle candy corn on top while frosting is still soft. Optionally, pipe spiderwebs with black decorating gel.
  8. Let frosting set for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts. Cut into 24 bars or 12 larger squares.

Notes

Don’t over-bake; pull bars out when edges are just golden and center looks slightly underdone. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Gel food coloring is essential for vibrant orange. Bars can be baked a day ahead and frosted the next day for better flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate if warm. Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween sugar cookie bars, orange frosting, easy Halloween dessert, kid-friendly, cream cheese frosting, candy corn

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