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

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Imagine the dreamy taste of a childhood ice cream truck treat, but in cookie form! That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Orange Creamsicle Cookies. They’re bursting with citrusy brightness from both fresh orange zest and juice, perfectly balanced by creamy white chocolate chips that simply melt in your mouth. Each bite delivers soft, chewy goodness—that nostalgic orange-vanilla combo—making this recipe a sunny-day delight you’ll want to bake again and again for friends and family.

Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Orange Creamsicle Cookies so special is how a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients work together to create something magical. Each item has a purpose, whether that’s building flavor, creating a cloud-like texture, or giving these cookies their stunning aroma and color. Let’s look at what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy foundation for that classic chewy texture and buttery flavor; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that soft, tender crumb.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings hints of caramel flavor and extra moisture for irresistibly chewy centers.
Large egg (1): The binding force that holds everything together, while also giving the cookies structure.
Orange zest (2 teaspoons): The secret to a punchy citrus aroma—use a fresh orange and zest just the colored part for best results.
Fresh orange juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and boosts the orange flavor; freshly squeezed makes all the difference!
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances both the orange and white chocolate, creating that signature “creamsicle” effect.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The chosen base for structure, keeping the cookies just thick enough without being heavy.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the dough spread gently in the oven while keeping a soft bite.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A quiet hero in baking, highlighting all the sweet and citrusy notes.
White chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): The creamy, melty “cream” that pairs perfectly with orange and gives the cookies their dreamy finish.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this step is key to prevent sticking and helps cookies bake evenly. With the oven heating up and pans ready, you’ll be set for a smooth baking session!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix until the blend is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This aerates the dough and sets the stage for cookies that are tender and melt-in-your-mouth every single time.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now, mix in the egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Each of these brings out those unmistakable Orange Creamsicle Cookies flavors, making the dough bright, rich, and fragrant. Beat until everything is fully combined and looks creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and salt get evenly distributed, which is important for consistent cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until the dough forms—overmixing can make the cookies tough!

Step 5: Fold in White Chocolate Chips

Switch to a spatula and gently fold in those lovely white chocolate chips. They’ll dot your dough with creamy sweetness, creating the true creamsicle effect once baked. Take a moment to admire all those citrusy orange flecks mixed with luscious white chocolate.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart to allow some spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just golden but the centers remain soft. Your kitchen will smell incredible—citrusy, sweet, and totally irresistible!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool for five minutes on the sheet—this step is crucial for a soft, chewy center. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!). Each cookie will be everything you love about Orange Creamsicle Cookies: soft, fragrant, and bursting with citrusy joy.

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Garnishes

If you’re feeling a little fancy, sprinkle freshly grated orange zest over the cookies right as they come out of the oven for an extra burst of citrus aroma. Or, try a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a pretty, snow-dusted look that makes these treats even more inviting.

Side Dishes

These cookies are lovely all on their own, but they pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, fresh lemonade, or even a warm cup of herbal tea. For an extra-special treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or orange sherbet for the ultimate creamsicle experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Orange Creamsicle Cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift, or arrange them on a vibrant platter with orange slices for a summer picnic vibe. For parties, sandwich a small scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies and freeze for playful homemade ice cream sandwiches that kids and adults alike will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, making them perfect for little afternoon pick-me-ups or midnight treats throughout the week.

Freezing

Orange Creamsicle Cookies freeze surprisingly well! Once cooled, stack them with parchment paper between layers and seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their fresh flavor for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a citrusy treat.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for just 10 to 12 seconds. The white chocolate will get creamy and gooey, and the orange aroma will be irresistible all over again.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice really gives these cookies their punchy citrus flavor and aroma, but in a pinch, you can use bottled—just be sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar for the best results.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough isn’t mandatory, but it does help the cookies bake up thicker and chewier. If you like extra-plush cookies, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

What kind of white chocolate chips work best?

Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips—they’ll melt beautifully and balance the citrus perfectly. Steer clear of baking “white morsels” that aren’t real chocolate, as they won’t offer the same creamy finish.

Can I make these Orange Creamsicle Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check the other ingredients (like the baking soda and white chocolate) to confirm they’re gluten-free as well.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for just-golden edges and centers that are set but still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so pull them out when they look a bit underdone for the chewiest final results.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a batch of Orange Creamsicle Cookies to the table is like sharing a little sunshine with those you love. Whether you’re looking to recreate a nostalgic flavor or just want to try something a little different, these cookies truly deliver on fun, flavor, and smiles. Give them a try and watch them disappear—one zesty, creamy bite at a time!

Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Orange Creamsicle Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic creamsicle. The combination of bright citrus notes from fresh orange zest and juice, paired with sweet white chocolate chips, creates a soft and chewy cookie that is bursting with summery goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Additions:

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Fold in the white chocolate chips.
Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.