01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 -
Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line it with parchment paper, trimming corners for a better fit. Set aside.
03 -
Using a stand or hand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 -
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 -
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix until a uniform dough forms.
06 -
Drop spoonfuls of dough into the prepared pan and spread evenly using your hands and an angled spatula to smooth the surface.
07 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely.
08 -
In a clean bowl, beat softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream together until frosting holds soft peaks.
09 -
Incorporate orange food coloring into the frosting until the desired hue is achieved. Use red and yellow food coloring combined if orange is unavailable.
10 -
Spread the colored frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle with Halloween-themed decorations if desired.
11 -
Once frosting has set, cut bars into 24 even squares. Use a ruler to measure and mark cuts; run a warm knife through frosting for clean edges, wiping knife between slices.