There is something truly magical about the bright, tangy flavor of orange combined with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, and that magic is exactly what you get with the Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the nostalgic vibes of a classic creamsicle popsicle, but in an irresistibly soft and luscious cookie form. Every bite bursts with the essence of fresh orange and smooth cream cheese, making them a delightful treat that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re craving a refreshing twist on traditional cookies or want to impress friends with a vibrant dessert, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward pantry staples that come together effortlessly to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—from the tangy cream cheese that keeps the cookies moist, to the orange extract that delivers that signature citrus punch.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Brings a subtle tanginess and creamy softness to the dough.
- Egg (1): Binds everything together for structure and stability.
- Orange extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with bright, authentic orange flavor.
- Orange cake mix (1 box): The secret shortcut providing sweetness, moisture, and a lovely orange color to the dough.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For rolling the dough balls and adding a lightly sweet, delicate coating.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Lend creamy sweetness and melty pockets of indulgence in every bite.
- Orange food coloring (optional): Helps achieve that vibrant, playful orange hue if you want to boost the visual appeal.
How to Make Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly shaped cookies with beautiful bottoms.
Step 2: Mix the Base Dough
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, orange extract, cream cheese, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend creates the rich, tangy foundation of your Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix and Color
Next, mix in the box of orange cake mix thoroughly until combined. If you want your cookies to have that iconic, eye-catching bright orange shade, add a few drops of orange food coloring and mix until the color is uniform. This step is where the dough transforms into a vibrant, citrusy cookie base.
Step 4: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Chill
Gently stir the white chocolate chips into the dough—these will melt slightly while baking and create delicious bursts of creamy sweetness. After stirring, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and giving the cookies a better texture once baked.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies
Roll the chilled dough into 24 evenly sized balls. Then, roll each ball in the powdered sugar, coating them completely. This step not only adds a hint of sugary crunch but also gives your cookies a beautiful crackled appearance after baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 12 to 13 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. As they bake, the cookies will slightly spread and develop a soft, chewy center with a delicate outer crust. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe for special occasions, consider garnishing with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a light sprinkle of finely grated orange zest. These touches enhance the citrusy aroma and add a subtle decorative flair that makes the cookies almost too pretty to eat.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or an aromatic cup of Earl Grey tea. The creamy richness of the drink beautifully balances the bright citrus in the cookie. For a more decadent experience, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a scoop of citrus sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow guests? Arrange the cookies on a platter lined with fresh orange slices and mint leaves to amplify the fresh flavor vibes visually and aromatically. You can also sandwich a dollop of whipped cream or orange-flavored frosting between two cookies for a playful, handheld treat that bursts with creamy citrus goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick together. These cookies stay soft and flavorful, perfect for snacking days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. For dough, shape and sugar-coat the balls, then freeze on a baking sheet until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Baked cookies freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead option for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them briefly in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookies and brings out their freshly baked aroma, so they taste just like when you first made them.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate chips will change the flavor profile to a richer, slightly sweeter taste but still complement the orange beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate.
What if I don’t have orange extract?
If you don’t have orange extract, you can substitute with freshly grated orange zest for a natural citrus flavor, though the extract gives a more intense orange punch.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free orange cake mix, you can easily adapt the Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe to be gluten-free without compromising taste or texture.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough properly and using parchment paper helps control spreading. Also, avoid over-mixing once the cake mix is added to maintain the dough’s structure.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
These cookies are delightfully soft with just a slight exterior crispness. The cream cheese keeps them moist and chewy, making each bite tender and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe when you want a dessert that feels like a sunny day in every bite. With its quick prep, simple ingredients, and extraordinary flavor, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to try baking them yourself and share their bright, creamy goodness with your loved ones!
Print
Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are soft, creamy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with a blend of orange cake mix, cream cheese, and white chocolate chips, these cookies capture the nostalgic taste of a classic creamsicle in every bite. They’re rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish and baked to perfection, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 box orange cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
- Orange food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and orange extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the rich base of your cookie dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Color: Gradually add the orange cake mix to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly until fully combined. If desired, add orange food coloring a few drops at a time until the dough reaches your preferred vibrant orange shade.
- Incorporate White Chocolate Chips and Chill: Fold the white chocolate chips evenly into the dough. Then cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps with shaping and baking.
- Shape and Coat: Once chilled, form the dough into 24 equally sized balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar until coated, then place them spaced apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to set further, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain their soft texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- You can adjust the orange food coloring amount to get the intensity of color you prefer; it won’t affect the flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and fresh.
- For an extra creamsicle flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the orange extract.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a single layer and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
