Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup colored sugar sprinkles (orange, black, purple)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional, for frosting)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Sprinkle colored sugar sprinkles evenly over the top, gently pressing them into the dough.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk together to make a smooth glaze. Add food coloring if desired.
11. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookie bars.
12. Once the glaze is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per bar | Servings: 16 bars
Tips:
Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a tender crumb.
For extra festive flair, decorate with Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible glitter before baking.