Introduction

These Orange Creamsicle Cookies capture the nostalgic flavors of a classic creamsicle in a soft, chewy cookie. With fresh orange zest and juice combined with sweet white chocolate chips, they offer a bright, creamy treat perfect for any occasion.

The image shows nine round cookies with a golden-brown color, each with a creamy white layer in the center topped with an orange dollop, arranged in three rows inside a bronze-colored baking tray lined with parchment paper. In the background, there are more cookies on a stack of two white plates, and a bowl filled with bright orange fruits is also visible. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon orange extract (optional)
1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft cookie texture.
Step 4: Mix in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and optional orange extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 6: Gently stir in the white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!

Tips & Variations

For extra citrus flavor, try adding a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest along with the orange zest.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan margarine and ensure your white chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
Swap white chocolate chips for chopped macadamia nuts for a crunchy texture.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them briefly in the microwave or oven to bring back their soft texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a tray with nine round cookies laid out in three rows and three columns. Each cookie has two layers: a soft, light golden-brown base with a slightly cracked texture, and a creamy white topping in the center that looks smooth and thick, with a small bright orange dollop in the middle of the topping. The tray is brown with a glossy finish and rests on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white plate holding more cookies, slightly out of focus, and a white bowl filled with bright orange tangerines. A white cloth is partially visible on the surface near the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice and zest?

While orange extract can add flavor, fresh orange zest and juice provide a brighter, more natural citrus taste that defines these cookies. Using both or substituting one with extract will change the flavor slightly.

Why do the cookies look undercooked in the center when I take them out of the oven?

These cookies bake quickly and remain soft, so the centers might appear slightly underdone at first. They firm up as they cool, ensuring a tender, chewy texture without overbaking.

Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

These Orange Creamsicle Cookies are soft, flavorful treats that combine the refreshing zest and juice of fresh oranges with the sweetness of white chocolate chips. With a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and creamy sweetness, these cookies capture the nostalgic taste of a creamsicle in a delightful cookie form, ideal for any occasion.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon orange extract (optional)

Add-ins

1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside for later.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential to create a soft and tender cookie texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the large egg, fresh orange zest, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and the optional orange extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and well incorporated.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense cookies.
Fold in the White Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Scoop the Cookie Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly undercooked but will firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store in an airtight container for later.

Notes

For a stronger orange flavor, include the optional orange extract.
Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
To freeze, place baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Keywords: orange creamsicle cookies, white chocolate chip cookies, orange zest cookies, soft cookies, citrus cookies, homemade cookies