Frosted Halloween Cookie Bars

Directions

1. Set your oven to 375°F to preheat.
2. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with grease or cooking spray.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until everything is thoroughly combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well blended and airy.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
7. If you're using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough.
8. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough looks set. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars will continue to firm up while cooling. Note that baking time may vary depending on whether your pan is metal or glass.
10. Let the cookie bars cool completely before adding any frosting.
11. Now prepare the frosting.
12. Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Then mix in the vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until well incorporated.
13. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing after each addition, until all sugar is incorporated and the frosting is light and fluffy.
14. Add a few drops of orange gel food coloring and mix. Continue adding coloring until you reach your desired shade.
15. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars, then top with Halloween sprinkles.
16. Cut into 24 squares and serve.
17. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.