Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tastes just like an orange creamsicle
Soft and chewy texture with a citrusy kick
Fun, colorful, and great for parties or gifting
Simple to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
Pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Orange zest
Orange juice or orange extract
Vanilla extract
White chocolate chips or vanilla baking chips
Optional: orange food coloring for a bolder creamsicle hue

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice or extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until combined.
Fold in chips: Gently mix in white chocolate chips.
Portion dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 9–11 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Glaze them: Add a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice
Double citrus: Mix in lemon zest with the orange for a citrus blend
Add crunch: Stir in chopped macadamia nuts or almonds
Cream-filled version: Sandwich two cookies with vanilla frosting for a fun twist
Color play: Add a drop of orange gel food coloring for a vibrant creamsicle look

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
Reheat: Briefly warm in the microwave for 5–8 seconds to soften
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake frozen dough with 1–2 extra minutes

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh orange juice?

Yes! Fresh juice adds a natural zing, but bottled juice or orange extract also works.

2. What makes these taste like a creamsicle?

The mix of bright orange flavor and vanilla (plus creamy white chocolate) mimics the classic creamsicle combo.

3. Can I skip the white chocolate chips?

Sure—but they really enhance the creamy vanilla element. You can also use vanilla baking chips or chopped white chocolate.

4. Should I chill the dough?

Not necessary, but chilling for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading if your dough is too soft.

5. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

6. How can I make them extra orange-flavored?

Add a touch of orange extract or more zest to boost the citrus flavor.

7. Can I add frosting?

Absolutely. A swirl of orange or vanilla frosting makes them even more decadent.

8. Are they soft or crunchy?

These cookies are soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.

9. Can I make them ahead?

Yes—bake and store, or freeze dough in advance for quick baking later.

10. Do I need food coloring?

Not at all! It’s just for presentation if you want a vibrant orange hue.

Conclusion

Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a delightful treat with a nostalgic flavor that’s sure to brighten your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a summer party, a birthday, or just a sweet snack, these cookies bring the refreshing taste of orange and vanilla together in one chewy, creamy bite.