As the leaves start to turn and the air carries a hint of spice, I can’t help but crave something sweet and festive. Enter these Halloween Candy Cookie Bars, a delightful twist that transforms your leftover Halloween treats into a deliciously fun dessert! Picture a rich, chewy cookie base, loaded with colorful candies and topped with a medley of your favorite spooky sweets. Not only are these bars incredibly easy to prepare in under 35 minutes, but they also double as a spectacular crowd-pleaser for any Halloween gathering. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or just wanting a delightful afternoon treat, these cookie bars are sure to brighten your spooky season. Ready to dive into the fun of making these irresistible Halloween Candy Cookie Bars? Your kitchen adventure awaits! Why Are They Perfect for Halloween? Customization at Your Fingertips: These Halloween Candy Cookie Bars are endlessly versatile, allowing you to use leftover candy from your Halloween stash or mix and match your favorites, ensuring everyone finds a treat they love! Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bars without the stress of complicated baking techniques. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Rich, chewy, and colorful, these bars appeal to kids and adults alike—making them the standout dessert at any Halloween party. Pair them with some Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies for a sweet treat showdown! Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter candies delivers a tasty experience that will make you reach for seconds—just be ready to share! Spectacular Presentation: Topped with fun candy eyes and an array of treats, these bars not only taste great but also look fabulous, bringing festive flair to your table. Halloween Candy Cookie Bars Ingredients For the Cookie Base Unbleached All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookie bars; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, giving the cookie its rise. Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; regular salt works in a pinch. Unsalted Butter (room temperature) – Adds richness and moisture; margarine can be used but might change flavor slightly. Dark Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a chewy texture; light brown sugar is a fine alternative. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps firm up the structure. Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients and helps maintain moisture. Vanilla Extract – Provides lovely aroma and depth of flavor; no substitute recommended. For the Candy Mix-ins Reese’s Pieces – Delivers that classic peanut butter flavor; replace with chopped peanut butter cups for variety. Chocolate M&M’s – Introduces colorful chocolate goodness; feel free to swap for other chocolate candies. Leftover Halloween Candy – Customizes the recipe based on what’s on hand; Snickers, Twix, or Butterfinger make excellent choices. For Decoration Candy Eyes – Perfect for making these bars festive; opt for chocolate chips if you prefer a different look. Dive into the delightful process of creating these Halloween Candy Cookie Bars and watch the smiles bloom around your table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Halloween Candy Cookie Bars Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (180℃). While the oven warms up, line a 9x13x2 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cookie bars release easily after baking. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. This combination is key for your Halloween Candy Cookie Bars’ structure and flavor. Set the bowl aside to focus on the wet ingredients next, ensuring everything is ready for seamless mixing. Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars Using a stand mixer, cream together ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter, ¾ cup of dark brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes creamy and light, about 2-3 minutes. The fluffy texture indicates it’s ready for the next step, which will add even more moisture and flavor. Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Add 2 large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Follow with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, allowing the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen. Mix until everything is well combined and the batter appears smooth and glossy, setting the foundation for your cookie bars. Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your Halloween Candy Cookie Bars to remain soft and chewy. This step will create a beautiful thick batter, ready for delicious add-ins that will make these bars festive and fun. Step 6: Add the Candy Gently fold in 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces and 1 cup of chocolate M&M’s using a spatula. This ensures that the candies are evenly distributed throughout the batter, enhancing the flavor and color of your Halloween Candy Cookie Bars. The bright hues of the candies should now peek through the cookie dough in a delightful mix. Step 7: Press the Dough into the Pan Using your hands or a spatula, press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. If sticking occurs, lightly spray your fingers with nonstick spray to make this easier. Ensure an even layer, as this will help the Halloween Candy Cookie Bars rise uniformly during baking, resulting in a perfect texture. Step 8: Bake to Perfection Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars, rotating the pan halfway through to promote even baking. When finished, the edges should be slightly golden, while the center should look set but still soft, signaling that they are deliciously chewy inside. Step 9: Decorate with Candy Once you’ve removed the cookie bars from the oven, immediately press assorted chopped leftover Halloween candy into the warm surface. This quick step ensures the candies adhere beautifully, melting slightly into the bars for a decadent touch. You can even sprinkle some candy eyes for a spooky finish if desired. Step 10: Cool and Slice Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes, but patience is key! Once cooled, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper overhang, and slice into squares. You’ll have perfectly chewy, festive Halloween Candy Cookie Bars ready to delight family and friends! What to Serve with Halloween Candy Cookie Bars As the sweet aroma of those festive bars fills your kitchen, it’s time to imagine the perfect accompaniments to elevate your treat experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm bars, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. It’s a classic pairing that adds richness and a refreshing creaminess to the experience. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the flavors of the season with a warm pumpkin spice latte. The comforting spices complement the sweet cookie bars, making every bite feel like a cozy embrace. Chocolate Milkshake: The indulgent richness of a chocolate milkshake elevates the chocolate flavors in the bars, making this duo perfect for a decadent dessert spread at Halloween parties. Spiced Applesauce: Serve a side of spiced applesauce for a delightful twist. The warm spices and tart flavors cut through the sweetness, balancing the rich cookie bars beautifully. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookie bars for an extra layer of indulgence. This adds a luscious sweetness that enhances the overall dessert experience while making it visually stunning. Seasonal Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with apples, pears, and pomegranates provides a light and colorful contrast to the richness of the bars, adding a touch of freshness to your treat table. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: For a unique crunch, serve cinnamon sugar tortilla chips alongside. Their crispy texture and warm spice echo the flavors of the bars while giving a fun twist to your dessert platter. Halloween Candy Cookie Bars Variations Feel free to get creative with these Halloween Candy Cookie Bars, mixing flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious and inclusive treat. Your friends won’t even notice the difference! Nutty Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the chewy cookie base. Peanut Butter Lovers: Switch out the Reese’s Pieces for Peanut Butter M&M’s or even a swirl of peanut butter in the batter for intensified flavor. Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried fruits, such as cranberries or cherries, to add a pop of sweetness and a chewiness that balances the chocolate. Caramel Delight: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before baking or mix in soft caramel pieces for a gooey surprise in every bite. Spicy Fun: For a hint of spice, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the flour mixture to elevate that fall flavor. Extra Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks for a double chocolate experience, creating an even richer dessert! For a well-rounded dessert spread, consider pairing these bars with some Cinnamon Roll Cookies or a slice of Cinnamon Peach Crumble Bars. Get ready for an autumn baking adventure! Expert Tips for Halloween Candy Cookie Bars Warm Cookies: Ensure your cookie bars are still warm when pressing in the candy. This helps the toppings stick better, creating a delightful treat. Mind the Bake Time: Avoid overbaking! Check for doneness around 18 minutes. The bars should be set but soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture. Gently Fold: Use a rubber spatula to fold in the candies gently. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so be kind to your dough! Substitutions: Feel free to customize with your favorite candies! Just make sure they have a similar texture to maintain the chewy consistency of your Halloween Candy Cookie Bars. Storage Savvy: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature up to a week, or freeze for longer enjoyment. Thaw at room temperature before serving. How to Store and Freeze Halloween Candy Cookie Bars Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their soft and chewy texture. Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, you can refrigerate the bars for up to 10 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookie bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. These Halloween Candy Cookie Bars are best enjoyed fresh! Make Ahead Options These Halloween Candy Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to Step 7, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan and baking as directed. For optimal quality, avoid adding the candy decorations until after baking. Once cooled and sliced, these bars can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay just as delicious and chewy for your festive gatherings! Halloween Candy Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right Halloween candy for these cookie bars? Absolutely! The best candies to use are those that melt well and add great flavor, like Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s. You can also use leftover Halloween candy such as Snickers, Twix, or Butterfinger to customize the bars based on your favorites! Just make sure they’re not too sticky, or they could affect the texture of the bars. How should I store leftover Halloween Candy Cookie Bars? I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps the bars soft and chewy. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days or freeze them for up to 3 months; a perfect way to save those treats for later! Can I freeze Halloween Candy Cookie Bars? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cookie bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for a cozy treat! What can I do if my cookie bars come out too dry? Very! If your cookie bars turn out dry, they might have been overbaked. Always check around the 18-minute mark; they should look set but soft in the center. To add moisture, you can serve them with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra indulgence! Can pets eat any of the ingredients in these cookie bars? No! It’s best to keep these treats away from pets, especially chocolate and certain candies which can be toxic to them. Always make sure that any ingredients used are pet-safe before sharing, as it’s critical to keep our furry friends safe from harmful ingredients. Indulge in Easy Halloween Candy Cookie Bars Your Family Will Love Transform your leftover Halloween treats into these delicious Halloween Candy Cookie Bars, a sweet and chewy dessert that everyone will adore. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option1 teaspoon baking soda Acts as a leavening agent½ teaspoon kosher salt regular salt works in a pinch½ cup unsalted butter room temperature; margarine can be used but might change flavor¾ cup dark brown sugar light brown sugar is a fine alternative¼ cup granulated sugar adds sweetness2 large eggs binds the ingredients1 teaspoon vanilla extract provides aroma and flavorFor the Candy Mix-ins1 cup Reese's Pieces delivers classic peanut butter flavor1 cup chocolate M&M's introduces colorful chocolate goodness1 cup leftover Halloween candy Snickers, Twix, or Butterfinger make excellent choicesFor Decoration1 cup candy eyes perfect for making these bars festive Equipment 9×13-inch baking panMixing bowlsStand MixerSpatulaParchment paperwire rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Halloween Candy Cookie BarsPreheat your oven to 350℉ (180℃) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.Using a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and light.Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.Gently fold in the Reese's Pieces and chocolate M&M's until evenly distributed.Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating halfway through.Immediately press assorted chopped Halloween candy into the warm surface of the bars.Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
