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Easy Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars with Orange Frosting

halloween sugar cookie bars with orange frosting - featured image
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Soft and buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a tangy homemade orange frosting, perfect for Halloween parties and potlucks. This easy recipe requires no rolling or cutting, and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Orange gel food coloring (optional)
  • Halloween sprinkles for decoration
  • Optional: candy eyeballs, black licorice strings, or mini chocolate chips for making faces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a piece of parchment paper on top to press flat.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is set but still soft. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely.
  8. For the frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, alternating with orange juice. Add orange zest, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
  9. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Add sprinkles immediately. Let frosting set for 15-20 minutes before cutting into 24 squares.

Notes

Don’t rush cooling; frost only when completely cool. For clean cuts, refrigerate frosted bars for 20 minutes before slicing. Bars taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

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

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