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Cozy Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars with Easy Orange Frosting

Halloween sugar cookie bars - featured image
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Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a bright, fresh orange frosting. This easy Halloween treat comes together in about 35 minutes and is perfect for parties, classrooms, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 drops orange food coloring (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Halloween sprinkles (optional)
  • Black gel icing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  6. Transfer dough to prepared pan. Use plastic wrap or wax paper over your hands to press dough evenly into the pan.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack (about 45 minutes to 1 hour).
  8. For frosting: Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, and salt. Beat 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
  9. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Add sprinkles while frosting is soft. If using black gel icing, wait 10 minutes for frosting to set slightly before decorating.
  10. Use parchment overhang to lift bars out of pan. Slice into 24 squares (6×4). Wipe knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough bars. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Zest the orange before juicing. Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For clean slices, refrigerate frosted bars for 20-30 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween sugar cookie bars, orange frosting, easy Halloween dessert, sugar cookie bars, fall baking, Halloween treats

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/cozy-halloween-sugar-cookie-bars-with-easy-orange-frosting/