Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the oven is at the correct temperature for baking the bars. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some extra paper to hang over the edges. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This will help ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed and prevent clumps from forming in the dough.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes. The fluffy texture will help create a tender, soft cookie bar. Use an electric mixer or a stand mixer for best results.
Add the egg and extracts: To the butter and sugar mixture, add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Beat everything together until well combined. The vanilla and almond extracts will enhance the flavor, giving the bars a sweet, comforting aroma.
Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing at this stage, as this could lead to dense cookie bars. The dough should come together smoothly and be slightly thick.
Press the dough into the pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the pan, making sure it reaches all corners and forms an even layer.
Sprinkle with sugar: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of colored sugar sprinkles evenly over the top of the dough. Gently press the sprinkles into the dough with your fingers so they stick during baking. You can use a mix of orange, black, and purple sprinkles for a festive Halloween look, but feel free to get creative with your sprinkle choices!
Bake the cookie bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you like a slightly softer texture, check at 20 minutes; if you prefer a firmer bar, bake closer to 25 minutes.
Cool completely: Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling in the pan will help the bars set properly, making it easier to cut into squares later.
Make the glaze: While the bars are cooling, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl to make a smooth glaze. If you’d like to add a pop of color to the glaze, you can incorporate a few drops of food coloring. Stir until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
Frost the bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the glaze evenly over the top. The glaze will add a smooth, sweet finish to the bars. If you prefer a thicker layer of frosting, feel free to double the glaze recipe.
Cut and serve: Once the glaze has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cookie bars out of the pan. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Enjoy the festive, sweet treat!
