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Easy Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars with Orange Frosting

Easy Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars with Orange Frosting - featured image
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Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a tangy orange frosting, perfect for Halloween parties and easy enough for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, 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 (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ teaspoon orange extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Orange food coloring (optional)
  • Halloween sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat your 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.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed in three additions, just until combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  7. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it into an even layer using your hands or a rubber spatula.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
  9. While the bars cool, make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then add the orange juice, orange zest, orange extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
  10. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Immediately sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles.
  11. Use the parchment handles to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Don’t overbake; bars continue to set as they cool. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For clean cuts, wipe knife between slices.

Nutrition

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

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