Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

These Halloween sugar cookie bars are all about fun and festivity with every bite. Fluffy, vanilla-scented cookie is baked to the perfect soft texture, then covered in a rich cream cheese frosting brightened up with bold Halloween colors and finished with a riot of sprinkles. Every year, these bars make my house smell like a bakery and become the centerpiece on our Halloween table.

The first time I made these for a neighborhood gathering the whole tray disappeared in minutes and now everyone requests them for Halloween parties

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter for easy creaming which gives the bars a soft buttery flavor and texture Always check for high-quality fresh butter for the richest taste
• Granulated sugar: Gives that classic sugar cookie sweetness Pick fine pure cane sugar for best results
• Egg: A large room temperature egg binds everything together and helps the dough stay soft Remember to check your eggs for freshness
• Vanilla extract: Brings a warm deep flavor Opt for real vanilla extract for the best cookie base
• Milk: Room temperature milk keeps the dough extra tender and smooth Use whole milk when possible for richness
• All purpose flour: The structure of your cookie bars always scoop and level so your dough does not get too dense
• Baking powder: Just a little helps the bars puff lightly and stay soft Check your baking powder is fresh for best rise
• Salt: Balances the sweetness in the base and frosting I use flaky sea salt for a clean finish
• Halloween sprinkle blend: Jimmie-style sprinkles melt into the dough for a colorful fun look Choose ones with vivid orange green or purple for that classic Halloween theme

For the frosting

• Unsalted butter: Softened for creaming and a silky finished texture
• Cream cheese: Full fat at room temperature gives the frosting its tang and body Always check for smooth creamy texture in your cream cheese
• Powdered sugar: The secret to a fluffy sweet frosting Sift if lumpy for best results
• Vanilla extract: For an extra boost of flavor in the frosting
• Salt: A pinch brightens the whole frosting and keeps it from tasting too sweet
• Heavy cream: Makes the frosting easy to spread and extra rich Use fresh cream for best result
• Gel food coloring: Adds vibrant Halloween color to your frosting Choose orange purple or green for maximum impact
• Halloween sprinkle blend: To top your bars and match the party vibe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Bar Dough:

Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature and preparing your eight inch square baking pan Spray well with nonstick spray then line with parchment paper strips so you can easily lift out the bars later

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat room temperature butter and granulated sugar for at least two full minutes Mix until the combination is pale and fluffy This step gives your bars an incredibly light tender crumb

Add Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the room temperature egg then pour in vanilla extract and milk Mix well until everything is combined and smooth The dough may look silky and loose at this stage

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk all purpose flour baking powder and salt until evenly distributed This helps avoid any uneven rising and ensures every bite is perfectly textured

Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:

Switch your mixer to low speed Add the dry ingredients slowly into the wet mixture Mix until just combined Do not overmix or your bars may turn tough

Stir in Sprinkles:

Gently fold in the jimmie style Halloween sprinkles using a rubber spatula Try not to overwork the dough so the colors stay vibrant throughout the dough rather than blending into one hue

Bake the Bars:

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan Smooth the top and make sure it reaches all edges Bake in the preheated oven for about twenty five minutes You are looking for lightly golden edges but a pale soft middle Cool the bars completely in the pan

Make Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a clean mixer bowl beat softened butter and cream cheese together until super creamy This takes about two to three minutes Add the powdered sugar next and mix at low speed to avoid a sugar cloud Once smooth add salt and vanilla extract

Tint and Whip the Frosting:

Drizzle in heavy cream and your favorite gel food coloring then crank up the speed and whip for two more minutes You want the frosting extra fluffy and colorful Scrape the bowl down at least once to get everything blended

Frost and Decorate:

Once your bars are fully cool lift them from the pan then spread the frosting thickly all over the top Use an offset spatula for an even swirl Finish with your Halloween sprinkle blend Press them in gently so they stick

Save

My favorite part of these bars has to be the frosting with its cream cheese tang and spooky colors It’s impossible not to remember my little ones grabbing for the sprinkle jar eager to help decorate them every single Halloween

Storage Tips

Keep these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days If stacking for storage add wax paper between layers to prevent sticking Let sit out for about ten minutes before serving so the frosting softens to its perfect creamy texture If you want to make ahead freeze the baked unfrosted bars then frost and decorate on party day

Ingredient substitutions

If you’re out of cream cheese make a simple buttercream and tint it with food coloring instead Swap in plant based butter and dairy free milk for a completely dairy free version For the sprinkles avoid nonpareils which can bleed color into the dough and stick with jimmie style

Serving suggestions

Cut these bars into small squares for easy party snacking They look fantastic on a platter with other Halloween treats Try tinting each batch of frosting a different color for a vibrant checkerboard effect Serve with hot cocoa or apple cider during your spooky movie marathon

Save

Cultural and holiday context

Sugar cookies have long been a part of American Halloween traditions but bars like these offer an easy way to serve a crowd Decorating together makes for a memorable holiday tradition and everyone loves adding their own personal sprinkle touch

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I achieve a soft texture in the cookie bars?

Use room temperature butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Baking just until golden around the edges ensures a soft, tender bite.

→ Can I use different sprinkle blends?

Absolutely! Choose any jimmie-style sprinkle blend in festive colors to match your Halloween theme.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

→ What pan size is best for baking?

An 8×8 inch baking pan works perfectly, yielding thick bars. Line with parchment for easy removal and clean edges.

→ How can I color the frosting?

Gel food coloring blends smoothly into the cream cheese frosting, allowing you to create vibrant Halloween hues.

→ Is it possible to freeze the bars?

You can freeze the bars unfrosted or frosted. Wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.