This Orange Dreamsicle Cookie Bar recipe has a soft sugar cookie base topped with a homemade dreamsicle frosting. It's a perfect summer dessert to serve at BBQs, potlucks, bake sales, and more.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 15people
Calories: 414kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen
Ingredients
2 ¼cupsAll-Purpose Flour
1teaspoonBaking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1cupButterroom temperature
1½cupsSugar
1teaspoonVanilla Extract
2largeEggsroom temperature
Orange Dreamsicle Buttercream
3cupsPowdered Sugar
½cupButterroom temperature
½teaspoonVanilla Extract
½tsp Orange Extract
1Orangezested
2½TablespoonsOrange Juicefresh
Instructions
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the room temperature butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat using the paddle attachment until light and fluffy - about 3 minutes. Slowly add the eggs, then beat on low until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Lightly spray a 12" x 17" baking sheet with nonstick spray (or line with parchment paper). Press the cookie dough into the bottom of the pan as evenly as possible.
Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes ,or until just barely golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
How To Make Orange Dreamsicle Buttercream
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter and beat using the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar and mix on low speed at first, then increase to medium until well combined.
Turn the mixer off and add the orange juice, orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract. Mix for another minute or so until light and fluffy again. Note: If your frosting is a little too dense, add a teaspoon of orange juice. If your frosting is too runny, add another half cup of powdered sugar.
How to Assemble Orange Cookie Bars
Spread the dreamsicle frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Top with sprinkles if desired. Cut into bars or squares before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
*For thicker cookie bars, press into a 9" x 13" baking dish and bake for about 2-3 minutes more.