Candy Corn is a type of candy that many either love or hate. I’ll be honest with you: I am not the biggest candy corn junkie around. I may have one or two pieces straight out of the bag and be done with them. They are really just too sweet for me. (I know. This is not an expression used often around here.)
But for some reason, when you bake candy corn into a sugar cookie, it “all the sudden” tastes amazing to me. Like somehow, the sweetness of the sugar cookie balances out the sweetness of the candy corn. It’s like magic or something. 😉
I originally made these sugar cookie bars back in May for Mother’s Day with melty mints in them. Now, I have replaced the mints with candy corn to make these bars festive for fall. The candy corn really works well in this recipe. The taste of the honey really comes out in the bar.
These sugar cookie bars are a great recipe for kids to make all by themselves if they are ready for that step. There aren’t many ingredients, there are no complicated instructions and the batter is yummy to sample. Yes, we DO eat raw cookie dough in my family. LOTS of it!! 🙂
My daughter Elizabeth made this batch of cookies by herself with me hanging around and helping when necessary. The one thing she really doesn’t like to do is crack an egg. She doesn’t like messy things so she gets very squirmish when it comes to cracking eggs.
My boys on the other hand, who love anything that makes a mess, find that cracking eggs is the best part of baking. Of course, it doesn’t matter to them where the shells go, but oh well, that is just a part of having boys in the kitchen. 😉
These sugar cookie bars turn out so soft and yummy that the kids say it tastes like there is still dough in the center.
If you prefer it a little more baked through in the center, you can just leave the pan in the oven a little longer that the instructions say. But we like the bars soft!!
You should also be warned that not all candy corn is made the same. I used Brach’s and therefore, I can’t vouche for any other brand.
Brach’s version of candy corn baked up great for me and although there was a little bit of melting from the candy corn during the baking process, you can see by the pictures that after allowed to rest out of the oven for a while, the candy corn kept their shape well. They also were perfectly soft and yummy when bit into.
I have read on other sites that people often have a problem with melted or overly hard candy corn when using other brands. So just know that this recipe specifically calls for Brach’s!
Of course, the only thing better than making Candy Corn Sugar Cookies, is eating candy corn sugar cookies. So go make a batch with your kids today and have a great fall! 🙂
Ingredients
- 1/2 c.unsalted butter (softened)
- 1c. sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 1/2 c. flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 t. baking soda
- 1 1/2 c. Brach's candy corn (divided)
- sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 375 degrees and foil and grease a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
- Add the flour, mixing in three additions and mix in the salt and baking soda in between the flour additions, mixing until all is incorporated. Using a large wooden spoon, mix in 1 cup of the candy corn.
- Spread the batter evenly into the pan and press the remaining half cup of candy corn onto the top of the batter. Put some sprinkles on top. (optional)
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into 24 bars.
- Enjoy!
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Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
These cookie bars look super cute! Love the candy corns!
Kara says
I’m with you- not a fan of candy corn out of the bag, but they are so cute that I just have to bake with them. I bet my kids would love these! I still need to try the version with the mints, that looks amazing to me. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These bars look beautiful, Renee! I like candy corn, but hardly ever buy it. But now this gives me a great excuse to do so! Such a fun and festive treat!
Renee says
Thank you Gayle. 🙂
Becky Rassi says
My boys also LOVE to crack the eggs! I still make them crack them in a separate bowl – just in case the testosterone gets to them and they get too aggressive. 🙂
I really am NOT a fab of candy corn…but I ADORE sugar cookies. You have my attention!
Renee says
A wise decision to have boys crack eggs in a separate bowl! And I’m telling you: Candy corn tastes totally different when baked in a cookie!! 🙂
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
These are one of those candies that people have a love/hate relationship with. I happen to love them so my only concern here is whether I’ll eat the whole bag before they can make it to these yummy bars. 😉 Buy 2 bags!!!
Renee says
HA!!! That is a great solution Tina! 🙂
marcie says
I like the chocolate candy corn the best, otherwise I don’t really care for it too much unless it’s “with” something. Sugar cookie bars sound like the perfect thing for it, and this would make a perfect Halloween treat!
Renee says
I have never tried the chocolate candy corn. I’m going to have to keep my eye open for it.
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
Omg! These look Sooo good!!! I absolutely love the colors!!! Adorable pretty and delicious 😉 have a great weekend Renee 😉
Renee says
Thanks so much Michele. You have a great weekend as well. 🙂
Kelly says
Aaw, your kids are so adorable Renee – love that they made this batch of cookies! The bars turned out amazing and the candy corn makes them so fun and festive 🙂
Renee says
Thanks so much Kelly. I love baking with my kids! 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
These are too perfect for Halloween – love the adorable candy corns on top. Pinned!
Renee says
Thank you for the pin Rachel. 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali says
These look adorable! Cute little treats!
Renee says
Thank you Manali. 🙂
ATasteOfMadness says
I have found that I only like candy corn when it’s combined with something peanuty. But maybe because that’s because I haven’t made cookie bars yet 🙂 These look so good!
Renee says
Yes, peanuts and candy corn is definitely a great combination!! 🙂
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
These are way cute and simple! I love that! Pinning!
Renee says
Thank you so much for the pin Amber. 🙂
Alyssa @ Piece of Home says
This is such a cute fall idea! Looks like the kids loved them! I would love to try this! Thanks for sharing!
Thao@ingoodflavor says
Just looking at these bars puts me in a happy mood…love the colors! What a great Halloween treat!
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Renee, the kiddos look just as sweet as this treat! Out of all the candies during this time of year, (Brach’s) candy corns are my most fav! Can’t wait to make this fun creation. You are so creative, as always! Big hugs!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I’m not crazy about the taste of candy corn either, but I love making things with them. They just look so awesome. I can’t wait to try these sugar cookies. Love the Halloween sprinkles and you kids are adorable!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
What a fun Halloween treat Renee! I rarely buy Candy Corn myself, but I love how colorful and fun it is (it’s so festive!), and it’s such a great idea to put in a sugar cookie! 🙂
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
These are the ultimate fall bars! I love LOVE how soft and chewy they look and I’ll bet they just melt in your mouth. Your kiddos look like they certainly enjoyed them! 😀
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
Don’t these bars looks just delightful!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
Wow these seriously look unreal! Yummy!
Serene @ House of Yumm says
Wow! Renee these look AMAZING! Love them 🙂 Thanks so much for linking these up to Saturday Night Fever! Pinning!
Zan says
Ahhh…Renee, I forgot I was looking at the recipe when I saw pictures of Elizabeth!!!!
Melissa says
I am baking these now! I added mini M&M’s in with the candy corn! Thanks for the recipe!
Kerry says
Loved your bar cookies – so much, I blogged about them! Love your site.
CrazyCookieLady says
These cookies are really good! Made a batch the other day and my family love them so much I decided to make another batch for a bake sale this weekend.
Thank you for this unique and delicious recipe. Its a keeper!