Creamsicle Orange Cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of a creamsicle popsicle straight to your dessert plate! With their soft and chewy texture, zesty orange flavor, and creamy vanilla undertones, these cookies are a refreshing twist on classic treats. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a bright and citrusy snack, these cookies are a burst of sunshine in every bite.
Easy Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds! Picture soft, buttery cookies infused with a sweet orange tang and paired with creamy vanilla chips. The vibrant orange zest and extract bring a fresh citrus aroma, while the vanilla adds a comforting sweetness that balances the flavors beautifully. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, summer picnics, or just a cozy night in with your favorite drink. The best part? They’re easy to make and will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly!
Why Our Creamsicle Orange Cookies Are the Best
Our Creamsicle Orange Cookies are not just any cookies—they’re a citrusy, creamy masterpiece! With their bright orange flavor and rich vanilla chips, they taste like a creamsicle in cookie form. Plus, their soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible.
Ingredients Notes for Creamsicle Orange Cookies
Each ingredient in these Creamsicle Orange Cookies plays a key role in bringing out their citrusy, creamy flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft and chewy cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise slightly for that perfect texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the orange and vanilla flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the cookies stay moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and balances the citrus tang.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
- 2 teaspoons orange zest: Fresh zest gives the cookies their bold citrus flavor.
- 1 teaspoon orange extract: Boosts the orange flavor for that creamsicle taste.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a creamy and comforting flavor.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Mimics the creamy vanilla element of a creamsicle.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Creamsicle Orange Cookies
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Zester or microplane (for orange zest)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for portioning dough)
How to Make Creamsicle Orange Cookies
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a citrusy dream to bake and even easier to eat! Follow these steps for perfect cookies every time:
1. Prepare Your Dough Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons orange zest, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined. The orange zest will release its fragrant oils into the dough, filling your kitchen with a citrusy aroma.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies stay soft.
5. Fold in White Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup white chocolate chips. These will add a creamy sweetness to balance the citrus flavor.
6. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
7. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
8. Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly golden.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy the refreshing creamsicle flavor!
How To Store Creamsicle Orange Cookies
Store your Creamsicle Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Creamsicle Orange Cookies Variations
Looking to put your own spin on these cookies? Here are some fun and creative ideas:
- Add a Drizzle: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or an orange glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice.
- Use Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Coconut Orange Cookies: Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped macadamia nuts or almonds for a nutty crunch.
What To Serve With Creamsicle Orange Cookies
Pair these Creamsicle Orange Cookies with a chilled glass of milk, a refreshing iced tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamsicle-inspired dessert! They also go wonderfully with a hot cup of chamomile or orange-flavored tea for a cozy, citrusy treat.
Top Tips for Perfect Creamsicle Orange Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances the flavors.
- Zest Carefully: Avoid grating the white pith of the orange, as it can taste bitter. Use only the bright orange part for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out—they’ll finish cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened butter and a room-temperature egg to ensure the dough mixes evenly.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, you can increase the orange extract to 1 ½ teaspoons.
- For extra texture, roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a slightly crisp outer layer.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Martha Stewart: “Always use fresh zest for citrus-based desserts—it makes all the difference in flavor.”
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “Chilling the cookie dough allows the flavors to meld together and prevents spreading.”
- Nancy Silverton: “For a bakery-style cookie, let the dough rest overnight in the fridge for deeper, more developed flavors.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use fresh orange juice instead of orange extract?
Yes, but orange extract has a more concentrated flavor. If using juice, you may need to increase the amount and add a bit more flour to balance the moisture.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these cookies without white chocolate chips?
Yes, the cookies will still be delicious without them. You can also replace the white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips.
4. How can I make them extra chewy?
Underbake the cookies slightly and let them cool on the baking sheet. This will give them a chewier texture.
5. Can I use other citrus fruits?
Definitely! Try lemon, lime, or grapefruit zest and extract for a fun twist on the classic creamsicle flavor.
Get ready to fall in love with these Creamsicle Orange Cookies—a sweet, citrusy treat that’s as delightful as a sunny day!
Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- – 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- – 1 tablespoon orange zest
- – 2 tablespoons orange juice freshly squeezed
- – 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Substitute milk or dark chocolate chips for white chocolate if preferred.
