Halloween is a time of spooky fun and an abundance of candy. But what do you do with all those leftover treats once the trick - or - treating is over? Instead of letting them gather dust in the pantry, why not give them a new life in this over - the - top bar cookie recipe? These bar cookies are not only a delicious way to use up your leftover Halloween candy but also a great addition to any holiday gathering.
First, let's talk about the ingredients you'll need. For the cookie base, you'll require 2 1/2 cups of all - purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. As for the star of the show, your leftover Halloween candy, you can use a variety of types such as chocolate bars, gummy candies, and hard candies. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even distribution in the cookies.
To start making the cookie dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 - 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can result in tough cookies. Once the dough is formed, fold in the chopped Halloween candy. The colorful and sweet pieces will add a burst of flavor and a festive touch to the cookies.
Next, grease a 9x13 - inch baking pan. Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan. You can use your hands or a spatula to spread it out. Make sure the dough is an even thickness throughout the pan. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 25 - 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
After removing the pan from the oven, let the bar cookies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the cookies to set and become easier to cut. Once they are fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the cookies into bars. You can cut them into small squares for bite - sized treats or larger bars for a more substantial snack.
These bar cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. They are also a great way to get creative with your leftover Halloween candy. You can experiment with different combinations of candy to create unique flavor profiles. For example, if you have a lot of chocolate - covered peanuts, you can make a peanut - chocolate bar cookie. Or, if you have a bunch of gummy bears, you can add a fruity twist to your cookies.
In addition to being delicious, these bar cookies are also a great conversation starter. When you bring them to a party or a potluck, people will be intrigued by the idea of using leftover Halloween candy in a baked good. You can share the story of how you transformed your excess treats into something amazing, and maybe even inspire others to do the same.
So, don't let your leftover Halloween candy go to waste. With this simple and delicious bar cookie recipe, you can turn those sugary leftovers into a holiday favorite. Whether you're enjoying them at home with your family or sharing them with others, these bar cookies are sure to be a hit.
Remember, the key to making these cookies is to have fun and be creative. You can adjust the recipe based on the amount and type of candy you have. So, go ahead and start baking, and let the magic of the holiday season shine through in every bite of these over - the - top bar cookies.