Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars (Print-Friendly Version)

Soft sugar cookies with creamy frosting and vibrant Halloween sprinkles. A festive treat for spooky gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sugar Cookie Bar Base

01 - 115 g unsalted butter, softened
02 - 200 g granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg, room temperature
04 - 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 30 ml whole milk, room temperature
06 - 250 g all-purpose flour
07 - 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
09 - 40 g Halloween jimmie-style sprinkles

→ Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

10 - 60 g unsalted butter, softened
11 - 115 g cream cheese, softened
12 - 200 g powdered sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
15 - 30 ml heavy cream
16 - Gel food coloring, as desired
17 - Halloween sprinkle blend, for topping

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Line an 20x20 cm baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
03 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
04 - Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined, forming a soft dough. Gently fold in Halloween sprinkles to distribute evenly.
05 - Press dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely in pan.
06 - Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until thoroughly smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat on low until combined. Add salt and vanilla extract, mixing briefly.
07 - Gradually drizzle in heavy cream and desired gel food coloring. Beat mixture on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until light and creamy, scraping the bowl as needed.
08 - Spread vanilla cream cheese frosting over cooled cookie bars using an offset spatula. Top with a generous amount of Halloween sprinkles.
09 - Lift bars from the pan using parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For easy removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper extending beyond the edges to lift the cooled bars out cleanly.
02 - Bars keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; allow to come to room temperature before enjoying for optimal frosting texture.