Orange Creamsicle Cookie Bars

Melt-in-your-mouth frosted orange creamsicle cookie cars are loaded with real vanilla beans and orange zest for incredibly delicious flavor.

I’m guest posting for Barb over at Creative Culinary today. She is busy spending her time helping her daughter fight breast cancer. I wish I could do more to help, or deliver some of these personally to her door, but writing a guest post is the best I can do besides praying like crazy.

Have you ever had orange creamsicles? Maybe it reminds you of when you were growing up and the ice cream truck patrolling your neighborhood, playing its incessant tune.

It’s such a dreamy flavor: orange and vanilla combined. My mom used to make orange Julius drinks when we were kids, with orange juice, vanilla ice cream, and ice. My sister and I loved them, especially with popcorn on TV movie night.

If you follow my site, you’ll know that orange creamsicle is one of my favorite flavors. Check out my healthier orange creamsicle popsicles, orange creamsicle popcorn, orange creamsicle magic shell for ice cream, or this yummy orange creamsicle buttercream frosting. 

About these orange creamsicle cookie bars

These orange creamsicle cookie bars are just pretty much the best! With real vanilla beans and vanilla paste, you get loads of vanilla flavor. Orange zest provides the citrus tang, and lots of butter in both the bars and frosting make these creamy and delicious. Freeze them for a real treat!

The orange sprinkles are optional but you have to admit, they are pretty!

Easy Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for easy delicious bar recipes, try one of these:

 

• Vanilla Bean Cookie Bars
• Oreo Cookie Bars
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• Blondies
• The Best Rice Krispie Treats
• Oh Henry Bars

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Orange Creamsicle Cookie Bars

Yield: 20-24 bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes

Melt-in-your-mouth frosted orange creamsicle cookie cars are loaded with real vanilla beans and orange zest for incredibly delicious flavor.

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Ingredients

For the cookie bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• Seeds of one vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)

For the frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• orange sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 pan with parchment paper and spray with baking spray.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, cream together butter, salt, sugar, orange zest and vanilla beans. Add egg yolks and mix well. Add flour and mix until a dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until firm. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Meanwhile, combine all of the frosting ingredients in the bowl of a standing mixer and whip until fluffy.
6. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie base and immediately sprinkle with sprinkles.
7. Chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars and serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1 bar
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 277Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 59mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 2g

RachelCooks.com sometimes provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietitian. Please consult a medical professional for any specific nutrition, diet, or allergy advice.

Did you make this recipe?

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Verdict: Love these—I always eat way too many of them.
Husband’s take: He likes these too. I didn’t think he would, he’s more of the plain ol’ chocolate chip cookie kind of guy but he really does enjoy these.
Changes I would make: None are necessary.
Difficulty: Easy.

You can also find these bars (they are amazing!) on Creative Culinary and while you’re at it, give Barb and her family a little love.