introduction
Bright, soft, and just a little nostalgic, these Orange Creamsicle Cookies capture the flavors of the classic creamsicle in cookie form: tender butter-sugar dough studded with orange zest and pockets of white chocolate. They bake up with lightly golden edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center, perfect for afternoon tea or a summer bake sale. For another fun cookie to try alongside these, check out Almond Joy Cookies.
why make this recipe
- Fast to mix and bake — no chilling required unless you prefer firmer cookies.
- Familiar creamsicle flavor appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Uses pantry staples with a bright citrus twist, making it ideal for a last-minute dessert or seasonal treat.
- Makes a great addition to cookie platters and pairs well with richer cookies, such as cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies for variety.
how to make Orange Creamsicle Cookies
This is an easy creaming-method cookie: cream the butter and sugars until light, beat in egg and vanilla, fold in the dry ingredients, then stir in orange zest and white chocolate chips. Scoop onto parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F until the edges are just turning golden. Let cool briefly on the baking sheet so the cookies set without over-baking.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the orange zest and white chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Serve them slightly warm so the white chocolate chips are soft, or at room temperature for a firmer bite. Pair with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea to balance the citrus sweetness.
how to store Orange Creamsicle Cookies
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week (bring to room temp before serving for best texture).
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
tips to make Orange Creamsicle Cookies
- Use fresh orange zest (not bottled) for the brightest flavor.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added — overworking develops gluten and can make cookies tough.
- If you like a stronger orange flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon orange extract in addition to the zest.
- For uniformly sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop and gently flatten dough balls before baking.
- If white chocolate chips are too sweet for your taste, try chopping a white chocolate bar or mixing in a few dark chocolate chips.
variation (if any)
- Orange glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice and drizzle over cooled cookies for a glossy finish.
- Citrus mix: Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest along with the orange for a brighter citrus profile.
- Cream cheese swirl: Fold in 1/4 cup softened cream cheese for an ultra-tender, slightly tangy cookie (chill dough 20–30 minutes before baking).
FAQ
Q: Can I substitute margarine or a butter substitute?
A: Butter gives the best flavor and texture; margarine will work but can affect spread and richness.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can reduce granulated sugar slightly, but powdered sugar helps with texture and structure—cutting too much will change the cookie’s tenderness.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free white chocolate chips, but expect slight texture differences.
Conclusion
For another orange-forward cookie idea and inspiration, see this recipe for Creamsicle Orange Cookies on Mom On Timeout: Creamsicle Orange Cookies – Mom On Timeout.
Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the orange zest and white chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
