These Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, thick, and loaded with buttery sugar cookie flavor, all topped with a vibrant layer of creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. They’re easy to slice and serve, making them a perfect treat for Halloween parties, school events, or just a fun seasonal dessert at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how these sugar cookie bars offer all the classic flavors of a frosted sugar cookie without the need to chill, roll, or cut out dough. They’re incredibly simple to make in one pan, and the frosting can be customized with any color I want. The soft texture combined with the rich vanilla flavor in both the cookie and frosting is just irresistible. These bars also stay fresh for days, making them perfect for making ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Almond extract (optional for extra flavor)

• Powdered sugar (for the frosting)

• Milk or heavy cream (to adjust frosting consistency)

• Food coloring (orange, purple, green, or any Halloween theme colors)

• Halloween sprinkles

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, I cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. I add in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

5. Gradually, I mix in the dry ingredients until fully combined.

6. I spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. I let the cookie bar cool completely in the pan before frosting.

9. For the frosting, I beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar gradually, followed by vanilla extract and enough milk or cream to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

10. I tint the frosting with Halloween-themed food coloring and spread it evenly over the cooled bars.

11. Finally, I add Halloween sprinkles on top, then cut into squares and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 to 24 bars, depending on how large I cut them.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling and decorating: 30–40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• I like to swap out the frosting colors depending on the holiday—red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.

• For a chocolate twist, I sometimes add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough.

• Instead of almond extract, I occasionally use lemon or orange extract for a citrusy note.

• To make these gluten-free, I substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, I freeze the unfrosted or frosted bars (wrapped individually) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

How do I know when the sugar cookie bars are done baking?

I look for lightly golden edges and a center that springs back when gently touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a day or two ahead. I store them in an airtight container and frost them the day I plan to serve for maximum freshness.

What kind of food coloring works best for the frosting?

I prefer using gel food coloring because it gives a more vibrant color without thinning the frosting like liquid coloring can.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake them in a larger sheet pan. I just keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, and that’s one of my favorite parts! This dough doesn’t require chilling, so I can go straight from mixing to baking.

Conclusion

These Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are festive, fun, and full of that nostalgic sugar cookie flavor I love. With a soft, melt-in-my-mouth texture and a layer of sweet, creamy frosting, they’re always a hit at any Halloween celebration. Whether I’m baking them with kids, for a party, or just to treat myself, these bars are easy, colorful, and delicious every time.