Candy Corn Cookie Bars

Name: Candy Corn Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Yellow gel food coloring; Orange gel food coloring; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); 3 tablespoons heavy cream; ½ teaspoon salt (for frosting); 2 ½ cups confectioner's sugar; ½ cup candy corn; Yellow and orange sprinkles

By:

Marry

Published:

October 16, 2025

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Candy Corn Cookie Bars bring that magical touch to your autumn festivities. Picture a warm, chewy cookie that’s both sweet and nostalgic, with the cheerful hues of candy corn capturing the spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, a family gathering, or just looking to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookie bars are the perfect treat. They combine playful colors, delicious flavors, and an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels. The beauty of these bars is in their simplicity—while they look impressive, the steps are quite straightforward. So, gather your friends and family in the kitchen, and let’s whip up some Candy Corn Cookie Bars!

Why This Recipe Works

Candy Corn Cookie Bars combine the delightful textures and flavors of a classic sugar cookie with the fun, nostalgic colors of candy corn. The soft, chewy base pairs perfectly with a creamy frosting, creating a treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. These bars draw you in with their vibrant appearance and keep you coming back for more with each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Candy Corn Cookie Bars

These cookie bars capture the spirit of fall and Halloween, making them a perfect addition to any autumn gathering or festive celebration. The vibrant colors bring cheer to any table, and who doesn’t love a treat that tastes as good as it looks? With each bar, you’ll experience a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will surely please everyone around.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Yellow gel food coloring
Orange gel food coloring
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
3 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt (for frosting)
2 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar
½ cup candy corn
Yellow and orange sprinkles

Prepare Your Baking Pan

To begin, lightly butter a square 8×8 baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookie bars will come out clean and easy to cut.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps create a soft texture for your bars.

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Once your mixture is fluffy, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Take a moment to enjoy that buttery, sweet aroma!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt, ensuring consistent flavor and texture throughout your cookie bars.

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. It’s important to combine them well, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Divide the Dough

Next, split the dough in half. This is where the fun begins, as you’ll add color to each half to create those festive layers.

Color the Dough

Add yellow gel food coloring to one half of the dough and knead until the color is consistent. Repeat this with the orange gel food coloring for the other half. You’ll love how bright and cheerful the dough looks!

Assemble the Layers

Now, press the yellow dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. For the orange layer, roll or press it into an 8×8 square using parchment or wax paper, and gently place it on top of the yellow layer. The visual contrast is just so inviting!

Bake the Cookie Bars

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 18-22 minutes, or until just set. Avoid overbaking to maintain that chewy texture you want in your cookie bars.

Cool the Bars

Once baked, transfer the cookie bars to a cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely. Patience here will pay off, as it ensures the frosting won’t melt when you apply it.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter. Then, add the vanilla and continue beating. Gradually mix in half of the confectioner’s sugar and the heavy cream. Once incorporated, add the remaining powdered sugar and salt, mixing until smooth. This creamy frosting is going to take your bars to the next level!

Frost the Cookie Bars

Spread the frosting evenly across the cooled cookie bars. For the final touch, decorate with candy corn and yellow and orange sprinkles. The colors make the bars look festive and are sure to impress anyone who sees them.

Cut and Serve

Slice into 9 squares and serve to delight your guests! Each bite will offer sweetness balanced with a bit of crunch from the sprinkles.

Serving Suggestions

These Candy Corn Cookie Bars are a festive treat for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or even a special afternoon snack with coffee. Pair them with a warm apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy experience that celebrates autumn flavors.

Tips for Success

Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues that won’t alter the dough’s consistency.
Avoid overbaking to keep the cookie bars soft and chewy.

Variations

If you wish, swap candy corn for other seasonal candies like M&M’s or chocolate chips for a different flavor.
For an extra autumn flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough.
Try adding a layer of Cream Cheese frosting beneath the candy corn for added richness.

Storage Tips

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. For longer freshness, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it, wrapped in plastic. Allow it to come back to room temperature before baking.

Q2: Can I use different colors for the cookie bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any gel food coloring that suits your theme or mood.

Q3: How do I prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper and lightly butter it to allow easy removal after baking.

Q4: Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts can provide a nice texture contrast, just don’t exceed half a cup to maintain balance.

Q5: What’s the best way to store the leftover cookie bars?
To maintain freshness, store them in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a week.

Candy Corn Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of the colorful season! Perfect for sharing, they will bring warmth and joy to your gatherings. These delicious bars are easy to prepare, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the festivities with friends and family. Each bite is a reminder of cozy autumn days, bringing nostalgia and a smile to hearts. You’re sure to impress your guests with this delightful dessert, making it a seasonal favorite for years to come. Enjoy the sweetness!