Orange Creamsicle Cookie Bars
These Creamsicle Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and topped with creamy orange buttercream frosting. An easy orange dessert recipe inspired by nostalgic creamsicle flavors.
Welcome to The Secret Crunch, butter besties! If you’re new here, my name is Lisa Silvestre, and I’m founder of this cookie-filled website. I’m also a self-proclaimed Butter Mom, which means I fully believe cozy homemade recipes can turn ordinary days into something special.
…and these Creamsicle Cookie Bars might be one of my favorite cozy citrus desserts yet.
These soft orange cookie bars are topped with a creamy orange buttercream and finished with fresh orange zest for the ultimate nostalgic creamsicle flavor. They’re bright, buttery, soft, and perfect for spring and summer baking.
I made these bars using the Blood Orange Olive Oil from Saratoga Olive Oil Co., which gives the cookie base an incredibly fresh citrus flavor while keeping the bars soft and tender. If you love orange creamsicle desserts, these bars are going to become a new favorite.
Grab your FREE copy of my e-book, The Ultimate Cookie Starter Kit, with five tried and true cookies recipes that are essential for any kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These Creamsicle Cookie Bars
- Soft and chewy cookie bar texture
- Bright orange flavor
- Creamy orange buttercream frosting
- Easy one-pan dessert
- Nostalgic creamsicle-inspired flavor
- Perfect for spring and summer
- Beginner-friendly recipe
What Are Creamsicle Cookie Bars?
Creamsicle Cookie Bars are soft citrus cookie bars inspired by the classic orange creamsicle flavor combination of sweet vanilla cream and fresh orange.
The cookie base is soft and buttery with fresh orange flavor, while the orange buttercream adds a creamy, nostalgic finish that tastes just like an orange creamsicle in dessert bar form.
Why Blood Orange Olive Oil Works So Well
Using blood orange olive oil adds a subtle citrus depth while keeping the bars incredibly soft and moist. It gives these cookie bars a more elevated flavor while still feeling cozy and approachable.
What Ingredients do I Need to Make Orange Cookie Bars?
Be sure to gather the following ingredients (exact measurements are in my recipe card down below):
- Blood orange olive oil
- Oranges
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Butter
- Powdered milk
- Milk
- Orange gel food coloring
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Grab your FREE copy of my e-book, The Ultimate Cookie Starter Kit, with five tried and true cookies recipes that are essential for any kitchen!
Orange Creamsicle Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- ¼ cup blood orange olive oil
- 2 tbsp juice from an orange (approx. the juice of half an orange
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Buttercream Topping
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk (plus extra, if required)
- ¼ tsp orange gel food coloring
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Start by making the cookie base. In a large bowl, whisk together the blood orange olive oil, orange juice, granulated sugar, egg, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until fully combined. The batter will be thick.
- Press the cookie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before adding the buttercream.
- To make the buttercream, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing between each addition, until the buttercream reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. You may not need all 3 tablespoons.
- Mix in the orange gel food coloring until evenly colored.
- Spread the buttercream over the cooled cookie bars and finish with fresh orange zest on top. Cut into bite-sized squares and enjoy.
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