Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream Bars are one of my favorite summertime treats. We’re saying goodbye to summer soon, but these delicious Orange Vanilla Cookie Bars have that refreshing, nostalgic flavor that you can enjoy year around.
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Orange Vanilla Cookie Bars
Tender orange flavored cookie bars topped with creamy vanilla bean frosting
Ingredients
Orange Cookie Bars
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons (18g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pure orange extract
- 1 drop orange gel food coloring optional
- Assorted candy decorations or sprinkles optional
Vanilla Frosting
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (28g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 2-3 teaspoons whole milk
Instructions
Orange Cookie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a couple of inches of overhang.
- In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar and orange zest until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until incorporated, then beat in the extracts. Beat in the food coloring a little at a time, if using. Beat in the flour mixture just until combined. Do not over mix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake until the top is set and the edges start to turn light golden brown, about 18-20 minutes. Let cool in the pan. Once cooled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper as handles. Frost and cut into 2-inch squares. Add candy decorations or sprinkles if desired. Frosting
Vanilla Frosting
- In a medium-size bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together just until smooth and combined. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, salt and 1 teaspoon of milk. Beat until smooth. Mix in additional milk a little at a time, if needed, to reach the desired consistency. Stir slowly with a spatula to remove any bubbles.