Soft & Chewy Cookies with a Dreamy Citrus Vanilla Twist
Kitchies! If nostalgia had a flavor, it would be orange creamsicle. Remember those creamy, dreamy popsicles from childhood—the ones that melted just a little too fast on a hot summer day? These Orange Creamsicle Cookies bring all that zesty citrus goodness and creamy vanilla flavor into one soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
The secret? Fresh orange zest and juice give these cookies their signature citrus pop, while white chocolate chips add a smooth, vanilla-like creaminess. They’re bright, sweet, and just a little buttery, making them perfect for summer picnics, afternoon snacks, or whenever you need a happy little cookie moment.
Why You’ll Love These Orange Creamsicle Cookies
✔️ Soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh orange flavor
✔️ Hints of creamy vanilla from white chocolate chips
✔️ Easy to make—no chilling required!
✔️ Perfect for summer, spring, or citrus lovers
✔️ Tastes just like the classic creamsicle popsicle in cookie form
Cuisine: American | Servings: 18 cookies
Tips for the Best Orange Creamsicle Cookies
- Use fresh orange zest & juice—it makes all the difference in flavor! 🍊
- Don’t overbake—these cookies should be soft in the center.
- For a stronger orange flavor, add ½ teaspoon of orange extract.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the creamiest texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free? Swap butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
- Extra Citrus? Add lemon zest for a tangy citrus twist! 🍋
- Want a crunch? Stir in chopped macadamia nuts for texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Replace ½ cup of flour with almond flour for extra protein.
- Reduce sugar by ¼ cup and add 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative.
And there you have it!
A batch of bright, citrusy, vanilla-kissed cookies that taste just like an orange creamsicle in cookie form. These are the perfect treat for summer, but honestly? They’re too good to save for just one season.
🍊 Are you ready to bake a batch? Let me know how they turn out! 🍪✨
Relevant Categories:
Desserts, Cookies, Summer Treats, Citrus Recipes
Tags:
Orange creamsicle cookies, citrus desserts, easy cookie recipes, white chocolate cookies, summer cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
2. How do I freeze these cookies?
Freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
3. Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
4. What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
Swap them for vanilla chips, chopped white chocolate, or even milk chocolate chips.
5. How do I make them extra soft?
Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients—it makes the cookies softer and chewier.
🍊 Enjoy your Orange Creamsicle Cookies! Let me know if you try them! 🍪✨
PrintOrange Creamsicle Cookies
Description
These Orange Creamsicle Cookies bring all that zesty citrus goodness and creamy vanilla flavor into one soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.