Thank you so much for stopping by today—I can’t wait to share this recipe with you! These Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly brings back childhood memories of chasing the ice cream truck on warm summer afternoons. Imagine the sweet vanilla-and-orange swirl of a classic creamsicle, but in cookie form. Yes, these cookies are that magical!
If you love citrus desserts that are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright flavors, this recipe is for you. And while you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a cozy kitchen favorite like this one.
Overview of Recipe Content
These cookies are the perfect marriage of nostalgic flavor and modern baking joy. They’re ideal for bake sales, summer BBQs, or even as a refreshing twist on your holiday cookie platter.
Why you’ll love them:
- Bursting with fresh orange zest and juice.
- Soft, chewy texture thanks to the butter-sugar blend.
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- That nostalgic creamsicle flavor in every bite.
What they taste like:
Bright, citrusy, and perfectly balanced with creamy vanilla notes. Sweet but not overly sugary, with a soft bite that melts in your mouth.
Health/Seasonal Relevance:
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which gives these cookies a little boost of sunshine in the colder months. But honestly? They’re irresistible all year round.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Tools you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
- Citrus zester
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Substitutions and Additions:
- Swap orange extract for lemon extract for a lemon creamsicle twist.
- Use white chocolate chips for extra creaminess.
- Add chopped dried cranberries for a festive holiday cookie.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies
- 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.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with white and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. The centers should look slightly soft—that’s how we get the chewy texture.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy cream. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
These cookies smell heavenly as they bake—like a sweet burst of citrus sunshine filling your kitchen.
What to Serve with Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of tea, or even a refreshing iced latte. For dessert platters, serve alongside Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies for a citrusy duo.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the middle when you pull them out—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker, puffier cookies.
- Fresh zest makes a difference—skip bottled zest for the real deal.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Glaze later: If freezing, glaze after thawing for best texture.
General Information
This recipe is inspired by the classic creamsicle ice cream pop, first popularized in the 1920s. Just like that nostalgic treat, these cookies balance sweet creaminess with zesty citrus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh is best! Bottled juice may alter the flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes—refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.
What if I don’t have orange extract?
Double the zest for extra flavor, or use lemon extract for a fun twist.
Conclusion
These Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies are pure sunshine in cookie form—soft, chewy, citrusy, and topped with a sweet glaze. If you loved these, try my Easy Lemon Bars or Orange Loaf Cake for more citrus joy.
Thanks for baking along with me today, friend. Don’t forget to leave a review and tag me on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes if you try these cookies!
Interactive Elements
I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out! Drop a comment below, share your own twists, or tag me on Pinterest. Let’s spread the cookie love.
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Saturated Fat | Protein | Sugar | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cookie | 180 | 28g | 6g | 3g | 2g | 18g | 1g |
Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies – A Sweet Citrus Treat You’ll Love
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies are bursting with orange zest, juice, and a sweet vanilla glaze. A nostalgic citrus treat that melts in your mouth!
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter with sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg, vanilla, orange extract, zest, and juice.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Drop dough onto baking sheets.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden.
8. Glaze cooled cookies with powdered sugar and cream.
Notes
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freeze unglazed cookies up to 2 months.
Use fresh zest for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
