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Perfect Pastel Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

pastel halloween sugar cookie bars - featured image
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These pastel Halloween sugar cookie bars feature a soft, chewy sugar cookie base topped with a tangy, pastel-colored cream cheese frosting, perfect for festive and easy homemade desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk or any milk of choice
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Food coloring: pastel shades of orange, purple, green, and pink (gel colors recommended)
  • Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
  • Mini candy pumpkins or pastel candy pieces (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition.
  6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it flat to about ½ inch thickness.
  7. Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set but still soft. Check at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  8. While bars bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated.
  9. Stir in vanilla extract and add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until desired spreading consistency is reached.
  10. Divide frosting into separate bowls and add gel food coloring drops to create pastel shades. Stir well.
  11. Once bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting over the top using gentle swirling motions. Optionally swirl colors lightly with a toothpick or spatula for a marbled effect.
  12. Decorate with Halloween sprinkles or candy pieces just before frosting sets.
  13. Chill bars for at least 30 minutes to let frosting firm up before slicing.
  14. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife wiped between cuts. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Do not overbake to keep bars soft and chewy. Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting without thinning. Chill bars before slicing to prevent frosting from smearing. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted. Keep knife warm when slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween sugar cookie bars, pastel sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, easy Halloween dessert, sugar cookie bars recipe, festive dessert, soft sugar cookies

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