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Perfect Pastel Halloween Ghost Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe with Easy Lavender Frosting

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Light, tender pastel Halloween ghost sugar cookie bars with a subtle floral lavender frosting, perfect for spooky season treats that are both whimsical and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Natural food coloring (optional) – beet juice and a drop of blue gel
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, finely ground
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and natural food coloring if using.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spread dough evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with milk or cream until smooth and spreadable.
  10. Stir in vanilla extract, finely ground lavender, and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness or lavender intensity to taste.
  11. Spread lavender frosting evenly over cooled bars. Decorate with ghost shapes using piping or edible ink pens if desired.
  12. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Use softened butter at room temperature for best creaming results. Avoid overmixing dough to keep bars tender. If bars brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour; for vegan, use dairy-free butter and milk. Grind lavender finely to avoid bitterness. Adjust frosting consistency with milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween sugar cookie bars, pastel sugar cookies, lavender frosting, ghost cookie bars, easy Halloween dessert, sugar cookie bars recipe

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/perfect-pastel-halloween-ghost-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe-with-easy-lavender-frosting/