Name: Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

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There’s something magical about biting into a cookie that instantly transports you back to the ice cream truck days of your childhood, and that’s exactly what Orange Creamsicle Cookies do. Bursting with bright, zesty orange flavor and delectable white chocolate chips, these cookies are chewy, citrusy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a summertime treat or simply want to infuse some sunshine into your kitchen, Orange Creamsicle Cookies will delight everyone who tries them!

Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by how simple the ingredients are—every single one plays a crucial role in making your Orange Creamsicle Cookies taste fresh-from-the-bakery delicious. The secret? Balancing buttery dough with real orange zest and creamy white chocolate.

All-purpose flour: The classic base gives the cookies just the right structure and softness.
Baking soda: This helps each cookie rise up and stay light instead of dense.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the citrus and sweet flavors and brings everything together.
Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for rich flavor and for those perfectly tender edges.
Granulated sugar: Gives the cookies their classic sweetness and helps with that light chewy texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel depth and helps keep the cookies moist.
Large egg: Binds your ingredients and produces a lovely, chewy crumb.
Orange zest: The secret ingredient! Fresh zest delivers aromatic, punchy orange vibes in every bite.
Orange juice: For even more vibrant citrus pops, and it keeps the dough moist.
Vanilla extract: A gentle background note that turns the orange-and-cream dream into reality.
White chocolate chips: They melt into creamy pockets, making every cookie a true creamsicle experience.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this is the sweet spot for perfectly baked Orange Creamsicle Cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and slide right off for cooling later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even leavening and salt distribution, so your cookies will rise beautifully and taste perfectly balanced throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This aeration sets the stage for a chewy center and crisp edges—just what you want in Orange Creamsicle Cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Orange Zest

Add in the egg, freshly grated orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix it all until smooth and fragrant. Breathe deep—that zesty aroma is a sneak peek of the deliciousness to come.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can yield tough cookies, so be gentle! The dough will be fragrant and creamy.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips

With a spatula, gently fold in the white chocolate chips. Spread them out evenly for pockets of creamy sweetness in every bite of your Orange Creamsicle Cookies.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies so they have space to spread. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set—don’t overbake!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them hold their shape and finish setting up. Now you’re ready to serve or store your Orange Creamsicle Cookies!

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle your warm Orange Creamsicle Cookies with a touch of extra orange zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can even drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top for a bakery-style look!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a refreshing glass of cold milk or a frothy iced latte. For a summery twist, serve them alongside a bowl of vanilla or orange sherbet to double up on the nostalgic flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few cookies in a clear treat bag tied with a bright orange ribbon—a perfect gift! Or, arrange them on a platter with slices of fresh orange for a brunch table that practically sparkles with sunshine vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Orange Creamsicle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy, and the orange aroma actually intensifies overnight!

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly! Freeze the baked cookies for up to three months—just cool completely first and use zip-top bags or an airtight box. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer when a craving hits.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, just pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes, or microwave them for 10–15 seconds. The white chocolate will melt slightly and the orange scent becomes even more intoxicating.

FAQs

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest and juice?

You can, but using real zest and juice provides a more natural, vibrant flavor. A tiny splash of orange extract can enhance the orange notes, but don’t skip the fresh ingredients if you can help it!

Do Orange Creamsicle Cookies work with other chocolate chips?

Yes! If you don’t have white chocolate chips, try milk chocolate or even dark chocolate for a different twist, but the white chocolate really helps capture that classic creamsicle combo.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute your favorite one-to-one gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I keep the cookies extra soft?

To keep Orange Creamsicle Cookies extra soft, don’t overbake—they should look just set in the center when you pull them from the oven. And store them with a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Overly soft butter, or not enough flour, can cause excess spreading. Make sure to properly measure your flour and don’t skip chilling your dough for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm.

Final Thoughts

If you love cheerful, zesty flavors and crave a cookie that’s a little out of the ordinary, these Orange Creamsicle Cookies are your new must-try recipe. Bright, creamy, and blissfully nostalgic—give them a whirl and share the joy with your favorite people!

Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Orange Creamsicle Cookies are a delightful citrus twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Bursting with fresh orange flavor and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for a sweet summer treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additions:

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
Combine and Bake: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the white chocolate chips. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Cool and Enjoy: Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.