Halloween Cookie Bars
Halloween cookie bars have a cookie dough base dotted with pieces of your favorite leftover candy pieces. Dip into your little one’s candy bucket and make these cookie bars to use up all that leftover Halloween candy!
These bars are one of the most fun recipes I’ve made. We all know that on November 1st, the day after Halloween, there will be at least one bucket of candy leftover from trick-or-treating.
I used to snack on that leftover candy for days before it was gone. Now I repurpose it and make these Halloween cookie bars.
These bars have a thick, buttery base filled with pieces of the best candy (think Snickers, Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, Twix, and Mini Peanut Butter Cups). The dough is the same one I use on my Congo bars, but instead of chocolate chips I use leftover candy.
They bake up soft, sweet, and are a perfect way to use up Halloween candy. How even more leftover goodies? Use it to make our Halloween snack mix or Halloween chocolate bark.
My Best Tips for Amazing Cookie Bars
- Ovens vary in the way that they bake, and some ovens may take a little longer than others. Start checking the bars at around 25 to 30 minutes to make sure they don’t overbake and dry out.
- You can leave the chocolate chips in the cookie dough. I’d consider reducing the amount, though, to make sure the bars bake properly.
- The dough is very sticky and thick and not similar to the texture of chocolate chip cookie dough. It bakes up soft, similar to a brookie, with a glossy top and crunchy edges.
How to Make Halloween Cookie Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
Mix together the butter and both sugars until they’re light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until they’re completely combined.
Add the flour, baking powder and salt, and mix until they’re just combined and no dry flour streaks remain. Make sure not to overmix or the cookie bars will be tough.
Fold in your favorite leftover Halloween candy using a spatula or spoon. The dough will be thick and a little sticky.
Press the dough into the prepared baking pan, and dot extra candy pieces over the top. The extra candy is optional but super cute. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the bars are golden brown and cooked through.
How to Store Leftover Halloween Dessert Bars
These bars store well at room temp for about 3 to 4 days and stay good in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Just be mindful of the dry, cool air. It can dry them out.
They freeze well when wrapped in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Drop them into a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and they’ll stay fresh for about 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
More Halloween Desserts to Try
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, large
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups leftover Halloween candy, cut into small pieces (plus more for the top)
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Use an electric mixer to cream the butter until fluffy. Then, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, and mix until combined.¾ cup unsalted butter1 ¼ cups light brown sugar¼ cup granulated sugar
- Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until completely incorporated.3 large eggs2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Mix in the flour, baking powder and salt until a thick dough forms. Use a spatula to fold in the Halloween candy pieces.2 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder2 cups leftover Halloween candy¼ teaspoon salt
- Press the dough into the prepared baking pan, dot with extra candy pieces, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until light and golden on top.
- Allow the bars to cool for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 cookie bar. Actual calories will vary based on ingredients used.
- Store leftover bars at room temp for 3 to 4 days or in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.