Orange Creamsicle Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the bright, refreshing flavors of orange and creamy white chocolate. Inspired by the classic creamsicle popsicle, these cookies are a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet vanilla. They’re easy to make and are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg until well combined. Add the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake the Cookies
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Orange Zest: Be sure to zest the oranges before juicing them. The zest adds a concentrated orange flavor that makes these cookies shine.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a consistent texture.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies may look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, but they will continue to cook as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy texture.
Variations
- Lemon Creamsicle Cookies: Substitute the orange zest and juice with lemon zest and juice for a tangy lemon version.
- Orange Cranberry Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart and sweet addition that complements the orange flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet option with a more intense flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Milk: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies to make orange creamsicle ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla or orange sherbet between two cookies.
- Tea Time: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of black or herbal tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
How Do I Store Orange Creamsicle Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Can I Use Bottled Orange Juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled orange juice if needed. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar.
How Can I Make the Cookies More Chewy?
For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Orange Creamsicle Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the nostalgic flavors of a favorite childhood popsicle. With their bright citrus flavor and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Gather your ingredients, bake, and enjoy these citrusy, dreamy cookies!
Happy Baking!
