Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these sugar cookie bars take all the effort out of decorating cut-out cookies. They have the same buttery, melt-in-my-mouth texture with a thick, soft base and just the right amount of sweetness. Since the dough is pressed into a single baking pan, I don’t have to worry about chilling, rolling, or cutting. It’s also perfect for customizing—I can tint the frosting orange or purple, add spooky sprinkles, or top with Halloween candy. Whether I’m baking for a party or just getting into the spirit of the season, these bars always deliver.

Ingredients

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

For the Cookie Base

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.

2. In a large bowl, I cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

3. I mix in the milk and eggs until fully incorporated.

4. Then I add the baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, and flour, mixing until a soft, thick dough forms.

5. I press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or my fingers.

6. I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. I let them cool completely in the pan.

7. Once cooled, I frost and decorate the bars with Halloween-themed icing, sprinkles, or candies before slicing into squares.

Note: While this version only includes the cookie base, I typically top it with a simple buttercream frosting and festive Halloween toppings.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 bars

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

I love customizing these cookie bars based on the occasion:

• Frosting Fun: I tint the frosting orange, green, or purple for Halloween, then scatter on festive sprinkles or candy eyeballs.

• Candy Mix-ins: Sometimes I mix crushed Halloween M&Ms or chopped chocolate into the dough before baking.

• Shapes and Themes: I use cookie cutters on top of the frosted slab for cute Halloween-themed shapes.

• Flavor Twists: A bit of almond or vanilla extract adds extra depth to the dough or frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature:
I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator:
If I want to keep them a bit longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. They stay soft and fresh.

Freezer:
I freeze unfrosted or frosted bars (in layers with parchment between) for up to 2 months. I let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the bars a day or two ahead and frost them just before serving. They stay soft and delicious.

What frosting works best?

A classic vanilla or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with these cookie bars. I like to tint it with Halloween colors for extra flair.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely. I use a sheet pan (half-sheet size) if I want to double the batch for parties or school events.

Do I have to use both sugars?

Yes, I like the combo of granulated and powdered sugar because it gives the bars their light, soft texture and sweetness.

How thick should the dough be in the pan?

I spread it about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick for a chewy, thick cookie base that doesn’t overbake.

Conclusion

These Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, foolproof treat that always brings smiles. With their soft texture, rich buttery flavor, and customizable toppings, they’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in. I love how simple they are to make—and how fun they are to decorate. They’re everything I want in a seasonal sweet, without the extra hassle.