Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe

If the nostalgic flavor of a summer creamsicle makes your heart skip a beat, you’re about to fall head over heels for these Orange Creamsicle Cookies. With soft, citrusy centers and a sweet white chocolate finish, every bite tastes like a sunny afternoon from your childhood—wrapped up in a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These dreamy Orange Creamsicle Cookies come together with just a handful of ingredients, each chosen for the part they play. Trust me—each one adds something glorious to the flavor, texture, or that signature pop of color!

• Butter (softened): Gives your cookies that classic, rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• Cream Cheese (softened): The secret to that cloud-like, creamy center and a subtle tang that pops.
• Egg: Acts as your cookie’s binder, giving structure while keeping things tender.
• Orange Extract: Turns up the volume on bright, authentic orange flavor—don’t skip it for true creamsicle vibes!
• Vanilla Extract: Balances the citrus and adds that unmistakable “ice cream” note.
• Orange Cake Mix: This shortcut ingredient brings an instant burst of color and flavor, plus a soft, velvety crumb.
• Orange Food Coloring (optional): Want more vibrant cookies? A couple drops here make them even more playful and festive.
• White Chocolate Chips: Little pockets of creamy sweetness that perfectly channel that “creamsicle” magic.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds a pretty, crackly exterior and that melt-away first bite.

Variations

One of the best parts about these Orange Creamsicle Cookies? They’re endlessly adaptable! Switch up the mix-ins or tweak the flavors to suit your cravings, diet, or whatever you have in your pantry.

• Extra Zest: Add the grated zest of a real orange for extra citrus punch and tiny flecks of fresh flavor.
• Swap the Chips: Try white chocolate chunks, dark chocolate chips, or even butterscotch for a twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix base—just be sure to check that all mix-ins are safe for your needs.
• Almond Extract: Add a drop in place of vanilla for a nutty undertone if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of cookie sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but makes clean-up an absolute breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, egg, orange extract, and vanilla extract. Give it a good mix until the blend is smooth and creamy, like a dreamy orange cloud.

Step 3: Add Cake Mix and Food Coloring

Gradually add the orange cake mix to the wet blend, mixing until just incorporated. If you want your cookies pop with even more orange color, fold in a few drops of food coloring—or try mixing 1 part red to 2 parts yellow for that perfect creamsicle hue.

Step 4: Fold In White Chocolate & Chill

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, distributing them as evenly as you can for bites of creamy sweetness in every cookie. Pop the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors meld and the dough firm up for easy rolling.

Step 5: Shape Dough and Coat in Sugar

Scoop out the chilled dough and roll into 24 balls (about 1 heaping tablespoon each). Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating them generously to get that beautiful, crackly finish.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Arrange the dough balls a couple inches apart on your prepared sheets, then bake for 12–13 minutes. The cookies will be set at the edges but should still look just a bit soft in the center. Let them cool for 2–3 minutes on the sheet (they finish setting up here!), then transfer to a wire rack and let the magic happen as they reach peak softness.

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Garnishes

For an irresistible finishing touch, try garnishing your Orange Creamsicle Cookies with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A sprinkle of finely grated orange zest gives a fresh hint of citrus and a pop of color that looks gorgeous on a cookie platter.

Side Dishes

Pair these sunny cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of creamy vanilla chai, or a scoop of orange sherbet for an over-the-top treat. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them alongside fresh berries for a beautiful, brunch-inspired dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Orange Creamsicle Cookies in a clear jar and tie with a bright ribbon for the sweetest homemade gift. Display them on a tiered cake stand at parties for a splash of color, or tuck them into lunch boxes as a cheerful, nostalgic surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Orange Creamsicle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay wonderfully soft and fresh for up to four days. Layer with a bit of parchment if you’re stacking them to preserve the sugar-dusted tops.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies (or unbaked, sugar-rolled dough balls) in a zipped bag or tightly-sealed container. Frozen cookies will keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a burst of citrusy sweetness.

Reheating

If you love that just-baked feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–12 seconds before serving. This brings back those gooey chocolate pockets and fluffy-soft texture, just like the day they were made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience how easy—and downright delicious—these Orange Creamsicle Cookies are. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, a potluck, or just a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day, these cookies are sure to bring some sweet citrus joy to your table. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share a few (if you can bear to part with them)!

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