If you love the classic flavors of a nostalgic orange creamsicle, you’re in for a treat with these Orange Creamsicle Cookies! Soft, buttery, and bursting with citrusy goodness, these cookies combine the tangy zest of oranges with the creamy sweetness of vanilla, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a summer gathering, a holiday cookie exchange, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor – These cookies taste just like a creamy orange creamsicle in cookie form!
- Soft & Chewy Texture – The combination of cream cheese and butter makes these cookies perfectly tender.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can bake these delicious cookies.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for summer parties, holiday baking, or an everyday treat.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To create these delicious Orange Creamsicle Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (or 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- Red and yellow food coloring (to achieve an orange hue)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps:
- No Orange Extract? Use 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice or 1 teaspoon of extra orange zest.
- Cake Mix Alternative – You can use 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ cup sugar instead of a cake mix.
- Food Coloring – While optional, it helps achieve the classic orange creamsicle look!
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and egg until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, orange extract, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the cake mix until a soft dough forms.
- If using food coloring, add a few drops of red and yellow until you achieve a light orange color.
Step 3: Shape & Coat
- Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the tops appear slightly cracked. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft!
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing Baked Cookies:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 6 days for longer freshness.
Freezing the Dough:
- Scoop and roll the dough into balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 4 weeks.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures a smooth, even dough with no lumps.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix just until ingredients are incorporated for soft, tender cookies.
- Use a Cookie Scoop – For evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Powdered Sugar Coating – Roll in powdered sugar before baking for a classic crackled look.
Variations & Add-Ins
- White Chocolate Chips – Add ½ cup for extra sweetness.
- Coconut Flakes – Mix in ¼ cup for a tropical twist.
- Orange Glaze – Drizzle with a mix of powdered sugar & orange juice for added citrus flavor.
- Creamsicle Ice Cream Sandwiches – Sandwich two cookies with vanilla ice cream for a fun summer treat!
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of orange extract?
Yes! Substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice for 1 teaspoon of orange extract.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No, chilling isn’t required, but if your dough is sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix instead of a regular mix.
Why are my cookies flat?
Too much butter can cause spreading. If your dough is too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
Final Thoughts
These Orange Creamsicle Cookies bring all the nostalgia of a classic creamsicle into a soft, chewy cookie form. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, their bright citrus flavor and buttery texture will have everyone coming back for more. Try them today and let me know what you think!
If you love this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and share your creations on social media! 🍊🍪