Why You’ll Love Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of vibrant, refreshing flavors with a hint of nostalgia, these Creamsicle Orange Cookies will be your new go-to treat. The combination of zesty orange and smooth vanilla is reminiscent of a creamsicle, but in cookie form. They’re easy to make, perfectly balanced in flavor, and the soft texture will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, bringing a batch to a party, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 orange)
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the egg, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them into the cookie dough.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look slightly soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Glazed Cookies: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cookies. To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of fresh orange juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
Chocolate Chips: If you want to add more texture, you can use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the citrus flavor.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and depth in the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your Creamsicle Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave the cookies for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes for a fresh, soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice?

Yes, you can, but fresh orange juice will give a more vibrant and natural flavor to the cookies.

2. How can I make the cookies more orange-flavored?

Increase the amount of orange zest or add a few extra drops of orange extract for a more intense orange flavor.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but it might slightly affect the texture and taste of the cookies. Butter is recommended for the best flavor and softness.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges. The centers may still appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

5. Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

6. What can I substitute for orange extract if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have orange extract, you can use extra orange zest or a bit of orange juice to enhance the flavor.

7. Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes, chopped macadamia nuts or almonds would add a nice crunch and pair well with the orange flavor.

8. Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure the dough is chilled for about 10 minutes before baking, which can help reduce spreading. You can also slightly reduce the butter in the recipe to make the dough firmer.

10. How do I make these cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Conclusion

These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright flavors of orange and vanilla in a soft, chewy cookie. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or on their own, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Creamsicle Orange Cookies

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These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are soft, zesty, and perfectly sweet, bringing the refreshing flavor of orange and cream to your dessert table. Perfect for summer, these cookies are light and fluffy with a citrusy punch, making them a must-try treat for anyone who loves citrus desserts.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with orange juice. Mix until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.
Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle the orange icing over the top and let it set.

Notes

For an extra creamy flavor, add a little vanilla extract to the icing.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
If you like a stronger orange flavor, you can increase the amount of orange zest.