These Orange Vanilla Cookie Bars capture the refreshing, nostalgic flavor of orange creamsicle ice cream bars, making them the perfect treat to enjoy year-round. With a soft, buttery base flavored with real orange zest and vanilla, these bars are a delightful combination of citrus and sweetness. The vanilla frosting adds a creamy, rich layer that perfectly complements the bright orange flavor. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer or preparing for Halloween with fun candy decorations, these cookie bars are versatile, delicious, and sure to be a hit.
Why You'll Love This:
You’ll love these Orange Vanilla Cookie Bars because they’re easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile. The combination of orange zest and vanilla extract gives these bars a bright, refreshing taste that’s balanced by the richness of the butter and sugar. The soft texture of the bars is complemented by the creamy vanilla frosting, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, these bars are perfect for any occasion—decorate them with candy or sprinkles to fit any theme, from summertime picnics to Halloween parties. The simple yet delicious recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed all year long.
Perfect Occasion:
These cookie bars are perfect for any time you want a sweet, citrusy treat. They’re ideal for summer gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a fun dessert for a weekend baking session. The bright orange flavor and the creamy vanilla frosting make them a hit with both kids and adults. For Halloween, simply swap out the decorations or sprinkles for a festive twist. They’re also great for gifting or as a dessert to bring to a potluck, where their unique flavor and colorful appearance will stand out.
Decoration Tips:
To make these cookie bars even more festive, consider topping them with orange and black sprinkles for Halloween, or colorful candies for a fun twist. You can also use cookie cutters to shape the bars into fun designs before frosting them. If you want to add a touch of elegance, drizzle a little white chocolate over the top or sprinkle with a bit of edible glitter. The frosting can also be tinted with food coloring to match any holiday or theme, making these bars as versatile as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons (20g) cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure orange extract
- 1 drop orange gel food coloring (optional)
- Candy decorations or sprinkles, for topping
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (28g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- 1 dash fine sea salt
- 2-3 teaspoons whole milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a couple of inches of overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cornstarch, and fine sea salt. Set aside.
- Make the Cookie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until well incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract, orange extract, and, if using, the orange gel food coloring. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges start to turn light golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Vanilla Frosting: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and fine sea salt. Beat in 1 teaspoon of milk, adding more milk as needed, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency. Stir slowly with a spatula to remove any air bubbles.
- Assemble the Cookie Bars: Once the bars have cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Frost the top of the bars with the vanilla frosting. Cut into 2-inch squares, and decorate with candy decorations or sprinkles as desired.
- Chill and Serve: For best results, allow the frosting to set before serving. Enjoy these delicious, citrusy treats anytime!
Enjoy!