Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe
Looking for cookies that taste like a burst of summer sunshine? You’re going to fall in love with these Orange Creamsicle Cookies! Each bite delivers a perfect blend of zesty orange and creamy white chocolate, just like the classic ice cream treat. Imagine the nostalgia of creamsicles from your childhood, reimagined as soft, chewy cookies with a bright, fresh twist. They’re incredibly simple to make, foolproof for bakers of any level, and certain to bring pure delight to your kitchen and your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Orange Creamsicle Cookies is in their combination of humble pantry staples and a few fresh, vibrant additions. Every ingredient brings something special, whether it’s richness, zest, structure, or that signature tangy-sweet flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the cookies just the right amount of chew.
- Baking soda: Ensures lightness and a tender texture by helping the cookies rise.
- Salt: Just a touch balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and that classic cookie flavor; be sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
- Vegetable oil: Works with the butter to keep the cookies ultra-tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness while contributing to the cookies’ crispy edges.
- Brown sugar: Lends a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds moisture for a luscious texture.
- Fresh orange zest: Packs a punch of true citrus flavor; use a microplane for best results.
- Fresh orange juice: Adds tartness and a hint of tang — freshly squeezed gives the brightest flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the orange notes.
- Orange extract (optional): For those who crave even more orange flavor, this is your secret weapon.
- White chocolate chips: The creamy star that melts into the dough for that signature creamsicle vibe.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat will save you from any sticky situations and makes cleanup a breeze. This is your first step toward cookie happiness!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt using a whisk. This not only ensures all the leavening is dispersed evenly, but it also gets rid of any pesky lumps that could sneak into your dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You’re looking for a light, fluffy texture here — this step is essential because it traps air and guarantees your Orange Creamsicle Cookies bake up soft and luscious.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg, along with fresh orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and, if you fancy a stronger citrus twist, the orange extract. Beat until everything is smooth and fruity fragrance fills your kitchen — this is where that signature flavor really starts to come alive!
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and patiently until just combined; once you see no more pockets of flour, stop! Overmixing can make your cookies dense instead of dreamy soft.
Step 6: Fold in the White Chocolate Chips
Pour in the white chocolate chips and fold them through the dough cleverly — you want creamy morsels in every bite. This is what transforms these cookies from simply orange to true Orange Creamsicle Cookies bliss!
Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Spoon rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread and become golden on the edges.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be just barely golden, while the centers look a touch underdone — that’s the ticket for soft cookies. Don’t worry; they finish setting as they cool!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm for ultimate gooeyness, or let them cool completely so the flavors settle into that irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cookies experience.
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Garnishes
Add a flourish to these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a little extra orange zest grated over the top before serving. For extra decadence, you can even drizzle with melted white chocolate and let it set for a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair Orange Creamsicle Cookies with a cold glass of milk for old-school comfort, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or orange sorbet if you want to double down on that creamsicle flavor. They’re also delightful with hot tea for an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a jar and tie with a ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift, or make mini cookies and serve as part of a dessert platter at a party. For summer gatherings, try sandwiching vanilla ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate Orange Creamsicle Cookies ice cream sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Orange Creamsicle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for about 4 days if you can resist eating them all before then!
Freezing
Both the baked cookies and unbaked dough freeze beautifully. For dough, scoop into balls, flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Either way, they’ll keep for up to 2 months — perfect for cookie cravings any time!
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm and melty, pop a baked cookie in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. You’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven taste and the white chocolate will turn irresistibly creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice definitely gives the brightest, most natural flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled. Just look for a no-sugar-added variety for the best results.
What if I don’t have orange extract?
The cookies will still be delicious with just the zest and juice! Orange extract simply amplifies the flavor, so if you love a big citrusy punch, add it — but don’t worry if you need to skip it.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the richest flavor and the right texture, but you can use margarine if necessary. The cookies might be a little softer, so adjust baking time carefully.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped macadamia nuts or pecans work fantastically, or try adding dried cranberries for a little tartness. Just don’t overload the dough or you’ll change the cookie texture.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough is too warm, the cookies may spread out more than you want. If this happens, pop the dough in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking for a thicker cookie.
Final Thoughts
These Orange Creamsicle Cookies are pure joy in every bite — the kind of treat you’ll want to whip up any time you’re craving a little sunshine. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just a cozy night in, give them a try and let that magical creamsicle flavor transport you right back to your happiest summer days!
Print
Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Creamsicle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic summer treat. Bursting with citrusy flavor and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange extract (optional)
Additions:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. - Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft cookie texture. - Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and optional orange extract. Beat until smooth and well combined. - Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense. - Step 6: Fold in the White Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in the white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. - Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as they cool. - Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Notes
- You can add orange food coloring for a more vibrant appearance.
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some additional orange zest on top of the cookies before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Orange Creamsicle Cookies, citrus cookies, white chocolate chip cookies, dessert recipe
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