Orange Creamsicle 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.
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.