Candy Corn Cookie Bars Recipe: A Fun Fall Treat to Delight Your Taste Buds

As autumn graces us with its presence, the air fills with the cozy scents of spices, falling leaves, and festive treats. If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the spirit of the season, look no further than these Candy Corn Cookie Bars. These sweet, cheerful bars not only bring the flavors of fall to your palate but also add a vibrant pop of color to your dessert table. In this recipe, we’ll create buttery, soft sugar cookie bars topped with creamy frosting and, of course, an abundance of candy corn. Perfect for Halloween gatherings or cozy nights in, let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Candy Corn Cookie Bars Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to whip up a batch of these Candy Corn Cookie Bars. First, they merge the classic comfort of sugar cookies with the whimsical charm of candy corn. Who doesn’t love a dessert that brings back childhood memories of trick-or-treating? This dessert isn’t just about taste; it also adds a bright, festive flair to your celebrations, making it a hit at Halloween parties or fall family gatherings.

You’ll appreciate how simple and forgiving this recipe is. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, even beginner bakers can shine. Plus, the fun of sprinkling candy corn on top creates a lovely bonding experience for the whole family. Feeling a bit overwhelmed during the busy season? Don’t worry; these cookie bars can be made ahead and stored, making them a stress-free addition to your dessert planning.

What makes these cookie bars special is their soft, chewy texture contrasted with the sweetness of the frosting and the playful crunch of candy corn. It’s a treat that feels both nostalgic and modern, transporting you straight to fall fun!

Step-by-Step: Making Candy Corn Cookie Bars

Let’s get started and bring these Candy Corn Cookie Bars to life! Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 Cups sugar
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg white
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ Cups unbleached flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 Cup Candy Corn

For the Frosting:

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 Cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookie bars.

2. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and give it a light spray with cooking spray. This ensures your bars will easily lift out of the pan once they cool.

3. Mix the Cookie Dough:

   • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
   • Gradually add in the sugar and continue mixing well.
   • Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

5. Fold in Candy Corn: Gently fold in the candy corn, which will add a fun and festive flavor to your cookie bars.

6. Bake: Pour the cookie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

7. Cool Completely: This step is crucial, let the bars cool completely in the pan before proceeding with the frosting.

8. Make the Frosting:

   • In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

9. Frost the Bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top.

10. Decorate: Sprinkle extra candy corn on top for that final touch of fun. Cut into squares or bars, and enjoy!

Best Ways to Serve Candy Corn Cookie Bars

Serve these Candy Corn Cookie Bars at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They’re perfect for a Halloween party platter, alongside pumpkin spice treats, or as a delightful after-school snack. For an extra special touch, pair them with a warm glass of apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. How about arranging them on a festive platter with mini pumpkins to really set the scene? Your guests will love the vibrant, autumn-themed presentation!

Storage Tips for Candy Corn Cookie Bars

To keep your Candy Corn Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. These bars also freeze wonderfully! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature.

Expert Tips for Perfect Candy Corn Cookie Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This allows for easier mixing and better incorporation into the batter.

2. Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow your bars to cool completely before frosting. If you frost them while still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off.

3. Variations are Welcome: Feel free to customize your Candy Corn Cookie Bars! You can add different candies, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon for a seasonal twist.

4. Double Up: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings; just use a bigger pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

Creative Twists on Candy Corn Cookie Bars

While the traditional recipe is delightful as is, consider experimenting with these creative variations:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for an indulgent twist.
• Nutty Variant: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and rich flavor.
• Funfetti Style: Mix in some festive sprinkles alongside the candy corn for a colorful burst.
• Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Substitute some of the flour with pumpkin puree and add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall-themed cookie bar.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of candy instead of candy corn?

Absolutely! You can mix in your favorite fall candies or even chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist.

2. What should I do if my cookie bars are too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely! These cookie bars keep well, making them a perfect option for making ahead of time. Just store them properly as mentioned above.

With this recipe for Candy Corn Cookie Bars, you’ll have a delicious and colorful dessert that’s sure to delight everyone. Happy baking, friends!

Candy Corn Cookie Bars

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• Author: Noah Alvarez
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Fun and festive cookie bars featuring buttery sugar cookies topped with creamy frosting and candy corn, perfect for autumn celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 Cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 Cups sugar
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg white
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ Cups unbleached flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 Cup Candy Corn
• 1 Cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
• 2 Cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
4. Gradually add in sugar, mixing well.
5. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
6. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
7. Gently fold in the candy corn.
8. Pour the cookie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
10. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
11. Once cooled, frost the bars evenly with the frosting.
12. Sprinkle extra candy corn on top before cutting into squares or bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg