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
Scale
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.