Name: Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 2 medium oranges; 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice; ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional); ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

One chilly Sunday afternoon, I was digging through my grandma’s old recipe box when I stumbled across a yellowed card labeled “Orange Creamsicle Cookies”. It instantly brought me back to my childhood the smell of fresh oranges mixing with sugar, my little sister trying to steal cookie dough from the counter, and our family gathered around the kitchen table laughing and sipping milk. That memory alone inspired me to recreate these cookies in my own kitchen, adding a few little twists that make them extra soft, zesty, and creamy.

Since then, Orange Creamsicle Cookies have become a weekend favorite in my home. They are light, tender, and have that magical balance of sweet creaminess and bright citrus flavor that feels like summer even on the coldest days. I make these cookies for friends, family, or just when I need a little comfort. And honestly, baking these always feels like a warm hug in cookie form.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

There’s something about the combination of orange and vanilla that’s just irresistible. I love making these cookies because they’re simple, forgiving, and instantly uplifting. Unlike some cookies that can turn out dry or flat, these always come out soft and fluffy. The orange zest adds freshness, while the vanilla frosting-like interior gives that creamy, dreamy texture that makes every bite a little celebration.

Making them is also a wonderful way to connect with people. I often bake a batch, and my niece and nephew help me zest the oranges or roll the dough. It becomes more than just baking; it’s storytelling, laughter, and sharing and that’s exactly why I love this recipe so much.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here’s my favorite version of these cookies. I always use fresh orange zest because it packs a much brighter flavor than bottled extract, and I always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes it makes rolling easier and keeps the cookies soft and pillowy.

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 2 medium oranges
1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional for extra creaminess)
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Little Kitchen Secrets:

Always zest the oranges before juicing to avoid losing flavor.
For extra soft cookies, beat the butter and sugars for at least 2–3 minutes until creamy.
Chill the dough it prevents spreading and keeps flavors concentrated.

How I Make It, Step by Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and gently roll in powdered sugar.
Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How I Serve It at Home

I love serving these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of warm Earl Grey tea. For special occasions, I sometimes drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle with a little extra zest for presentation. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, cookie exchanges, or a cozy weekend treat.

A tip from my kitchen: serve them slightly warm for that “just-baked” gooey creaminess, but they’re also wonderful at room temperature. Everyone has their favorite, but in my house, we argue over the first cookie right out of the oven every single time.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to get that soft, fresh-baked texture.

100-Word Short Version

Orange Creamsicle Cookies are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. I love baking these because they’re simple and comforting, reminding me of childhood memories with my family. The recipe uses fresh orange zest, a touch of orange juice, and optional white chocolate chips for extra creaminess. Chill the dough for easier handling and roll in powdered sugar for a pretty, crackly finish. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with milk or tea. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a cozy weekend treat.

Recipe Card Section (Before Conclusion)

⏱️ Time

Prep: 15 min
Chill: 30 min
Cook: 10–12 min
Total: 55 min

🛒 Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 2 medium oranges
1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, vanilla, orange zest, and juice.
Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in white chocolate chips if desired.
Chill dough for 30 minutes.
Scoop dough, roll in powdered sugar, and place on baking sheets.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
Cool 5 min on sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

📝 Notes

Use fresh orange zest for maximum flavor.
Chill dough to prevent spreading.
Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
Freeze dough for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen.

🍽️ Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)
Calories: 145 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbs: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g

Conclusion

Baking Orange Creamsicle Cookies always brings a little sunshine into my home, even on gray days. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re memories, stories, and moments shared around the kitchen table. Every time I make them, I think of my childhood, my family, and the simple joys of cooking with love. I hope this recipe brings warmth and happiness to your kitchen, too. Trust me, once you try them, these cookies will become a beloved tradition in your home just like they are in mine.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

How I Make It, Step by Step

How I Serve It at Home

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

100-Word Short Version

Recipe Card Section (Before Conclusion)

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Conclusion

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