Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe

Say hello to sunshine with Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies, a treat that delivers everything you love about a classic creamsicle in cookie form! These cookies hit just the right balance of bright orange citrus and creamy vanilla, wrapped together in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a picnic, filling up the cookie jar, or looking for a smile-inducing dessert for the family, this recipe will not disappoint. Sweet, tangy, and deliciously nostalgic, Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies are the kind of cookies everyone looks forward to all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies comes from a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create their signature flavor and texture. Each item in this list plays a special role: from creamy butter to zesty orange, every element matters!

• All-purpose flour: Provides the foundation and structure for soft, chewy cookies.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies lift and spread, keeping them tender instead of dense.
• Salt: Brings balance by enhancing the sweetness and brightening the citrus notes.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creates that irresistibly chewy texture.
• White sugar: Keeps the cookies sweet and helps with spreading and crisp edges.
• Light brown sugar (packed): Contributes a subtle molasses flavor for more depth and chewiness.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and ensures the cookies stay soft.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the orange flavor with a smooth, creamy finish.
• Orange extract: Intensifies the citrus aroma, making every bite feel like a creamsicle.
• Orange zest (from about 1 orange): Infuses the dough with fresh, zingy brightness.
• Orange juice: Adds real orange flavor and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Brings a glossy, sweet finish to each cookie.
• Heavy cream: Makes the glaze silky-smooth and easy to drizzle.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. A little prep at the start saves time later and guarantees perfect Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies every time!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only ensures even distribution but also keeps the cookies delicate and prevents surprises like clumps of baking soda. Set this bowl aside for just a few minutes—you’ll be reaching for it soon!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly pale. Don’t rush this step; creaming properly adds volume and guarantees those classic soft and chewy cookies you’re after.

Step 4: Add Flavors and Zest

Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, and orange zest. Each of these ingredients brings out the vibrant, nostalgic flavor that makes Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies truly unforgettable. Blend well so the citrus oils and creamy vanilla are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients (with a Citrus Twist!)

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture. This keeps the cookies soft and ensures the orange juice is evenly integrated, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your lined baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each one. This gives the cookies room to spread and bake to perfection. For extra chewy results, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before scooping—you’ll love the difference!

Step 7: Bake to Soft and Chewy Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers are still soft and slightly underbaked. Remember that cookies continue to cook on the sheet, so don’t wait for them to brown completely before pulling them out.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool for about five minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. When completely cool, whisk together your powdered sugar and heavy cream for a glossy glaze, then drizzle it over each cookie. Allow the glaze to set, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies

Garnishes

Add a little piece of candied orange peel, a sprinkle of extra orange zest, or even a few delicate curls of white chocolate to gild the lily. These playful garnishes not only look beautiful, but they reinforce that beautiful creamsicle flavor in every Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookie.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk (classic and unbeatable), or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a citrusy tea or espresso on the side can make the experience feel almost like a trip to your favorite café!

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies are a showstopper at bake sales or parties, so why not box them up in a bright orange-lined bakery box or pile them high on a tiered cake stand? Try sandwiching a layer of whipped cream or orange marmalade between two cookies for a fun twist on an ice cream sandwich—your friends and family will be wowed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, perfect for packing into lunches or enjoying with your afternoon coffee throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls! If freezing baked cookies, let them cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature whenever a creamsicle craving strikes. For dough, freeze scooped mounds on a tray until solid, then pop them into a zip-top bag for up to three months.

Reheating

For warm, bakery-fresh cookies, just pop a few in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or set them in a low oven for a minute or two. If you’ve frozen the dough, simply bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time straight from the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the brightest and most authentic citrus flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice, not from concentrate, for the best results in your Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies.

What can I do if I don’t have orange extract?

While orange extract really boosts that classic creamsicle flavor, you can get a similar effect by adding extra orange zest. The cookies will be just as lovely and citrusy, though with a slightly more natural orange profile.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough isn’t strictly necessary, but it definitely helps the cookies keep their shape and come out a bit chewier. If you have some extra time, even 30 minutes in the fridge will make a noticeable difference!

Can I make the glaze with milk instead of cream?

Absolutely! If you don’t have cream on hand, milk will work just fine. The glaze may be a bit thinner, so just add it gradually to reach your preferred consistency.

How do I prevent the cookies from overbaking?

Keep a close eye on your oven and pull the cookies out as soon as the edges are set. The centers should still be soft and a little underbaked—they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool, resulting in the ultimate Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies are your new go-to. Their bright citrus flavor and nostalgic creamsicle twist make them an instant crowd-pleaser. Give them a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

Print