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Cozy Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars with Orange Frosting

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Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a creamy, citrusy orange frosting. The perfect fuss-free Halloween treat for cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted if desired
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • Fresh orange zest from 1 medium orange
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • A few drops orange food coloring (optional)
  • Halloween sprinkles for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese together on medium speed until light, fluffy, and pale, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  6. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Using your hands or a spatula (lightly greased if needed), press the dough into an even layer, about ½-inch thick.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack (about 1-2 hours).
  8. For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low to start. Add the orange extract, orange zest, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed, or more powdered sugar if too thin. Stir in orange food coloring if desired.
  9. Once bars are completely cool, lift them out using the parchment sling. Spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with Halloween sprinkles.
  10. Let the frosting set for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Slice into 24 squares or 12 rectangles. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.

Notes

Cream cheese must be truly softened to avoid lumps. Do not overbake; edges should be just golden and center slightly underdone. Use orange extract, not orange juice, for the frosting. For clean slices, chill frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, sugar cookie bars, orange frosting, fall dessert, easy Halloween treat, cream cheese sugar cookies

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