Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Take a trip down memory lane with these dreamy orange creamsicle cookies! 

Each soft, pillowy bite bursts with a fresh orange flavor and white chocolate chips. It’s like indulging in your favorite childhood treat, reimagined in cookie form.

I’m getting nostalgic summer vibes just thinking about them.

Whip up a batch today and feel like a kid all over again!

Why You’ll Love These Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Nostalgic Appeal: These cookies perfectly capture the beloved flavor of classic orange creamsicles. They’re like little bites of sunshine!

Whimsical Flavor: Fresh orange juice and zest provides a bright, citrus taste that harmoniously balances the creamy white chocolate chips.

Chewy Perfection: If you LOVE chewy cookies, you’re in for a treat! An extra egg yolk makes these cookies wonderfully chewy.

Party-Perfect: From summer parties to bake sales, these nostalgic treats will be a hit at any event.

Ingredients

• White Chocolate Chips: The cream in the creamsicle! They add a luxurious contrast to the orange flavor.
  
• Orange Zest and Juice: For a bright, fresh citrus flavor. 
  
• All-Purpose Flour: It gives the cookies structure. 
  
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: The leavening agents help the cookies rise, creating a pillowy texture.
  
• Salt: It’s essential for bringing out the orange and vanilla notes.
  
• Unsalted Butter: It adds a rich flavor and tender texture.
  
• Granulated and Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar creates crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness. Together, they add sweetness.
  
• Eggs: They’re essential for binding all the ingredients together. Add an extra yolk for an even chewier texture.
  
• Vanilla Extract: It adds depth and warmth to the cookies.
  
• Orange Extract: The optional ingredient intensifies the orange flavor. 

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cookies

What’s the secret to these cookies? Using orange juice, zest, and extract. It gives these treats a BIG orange flavor. Follow these steps to make them.

1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 

3. Beat. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add. Add the egg, egg yolk, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and optional orange extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until smooth.

5. Combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.

6. Fold. Fold in the white chocolate chips.

7. Shape. Shape the dough into balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheets.

8. Bake. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

9. Cool. Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Orange Creamsicle Cookies

To ensure these cookies are tasty as can be, follow these tips.

• Quality is key. Fresh orange zest and juice are crucial for the best flavor. Also, use high-quality white chocolate chips like Ghirardelli.
  
• Keep things at room temperature. Ensure butter, eggs, and other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.
  
• Try a measuring trick. Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies.
  
• Add a pop of color. Add 1-2 drops each of red and yellow food coloring for vibrant orange cookies.
  
• Don’t overmix! Stop mixing as soon as the wet and dry ingredients are combined to prevent tough cookies.
  
• Give them some chill time. For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
  
• Get creative! Substitute grapefruit zest and extract for a different citrus twist. Or, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for a crinkled effect.

How to Store

These little bites of joy are great to have on hand no matter the season!

To Store: Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To Freeze: Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls and place in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.