Creamsicle Orange Cookies: Chewy & Citrusy Recipe
Introduction
Capture the nostalgic, creamy citrus flavor of a classic creamsicle in cookie form with these soft and chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies. Bright orange zest and juicy fresh orange juice bring a sunny sweetness, perfectly balanced by white chocolate chips for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (about 2 medium oranges)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or vanilla baking chips)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until incorporated. Fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers are slightly soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated orange zest for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you prefer thicker, chewier cookies.
- Don’t overbake; the centers should look slightly underdone when removed as they will firm up while cooling.
- Substitute white chocolate chips with vanilla baking chips for a similar sweet touch.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the white chocolate chips.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest and juice?
Yes, you can substitute with about 1 teaspoon of orange extract, but fresh zest and juice provide a brighter, fresher flavor that is key to the creamsicle taste.
How do I ensure my cookies stay chewy?
Do not overbake—remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Also, chilling the dough before baking helps retain moisture for a chewy texture.
PrintCreamsicle Orange Cookies: Chewy & Citrusy Recipe
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of a creamsicle popsicle into a soft, chewy cookie form. Bursting with bright citrus from fresh orange zest and juice, and sweetened with creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for capturing a sunny, summery vibe in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (about 2 medium oranges)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Add-ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or vanilla baking chips)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to combine and set aside for later use.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the pure vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and fresh orange juice, mixing just until everything is combined.
- Combine and Add Chips: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently and just until incorporated to avoid overmixing. Fold in the white chocolate chips to evenly distribute them through the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Remove and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use freshly grated orange zest for the brightest and most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Do not overbake; the cookie centers should appear slightly underdone when removed from the oven as they will firm up while cooling.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Keywords: Creamsicle cookies, Orange cookies, Chewy citrus cookies, White chocolate chip cookies, Summer cookies, Soft chewy cookies, Citrus dessert
